With all of the new housing words in our vocabularies.....short sales....deeds in lieu of foreclosure.....deficiency judgment.......foreclosure.......declining values.......It's no wonder that many home owners are completely perplexed what direction to take if you absolutely must sell your home.  Sellers often ask me why they should consider a short sale rather than just letting the property go back to the bank in a foreclosure. It's really quite simple----If you are able to do a short sale (and that is when the bank accepts less than is owed on the property), the short sale will be far less damaging to your credit rating.  It should appear as a "settled debt" once the transaction is completed rather than the more damaging "foreclosure" which can appear for 7 years on your report. Are ... 07/22/2008

SUN CITY HILTON HEAD  AGE RESTRICTIONS         Ask anyone who lives and works here about the age restriction requirements in Sun City and will get different answers . The only way to know for sure is to read the rules.  Here are the rules: Sun City Hilton Head is an age restricted community in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws. It  provides housing primarily for people who are 55 years of age or older. Every household must contain one resident who is age qualified. However, the developer has reserved 20 % of NEW CONSTRUCTION for those who are between 50 and 55. At all times, at least 80% of all residential units must be occupied by one age-qualified person. In the event that any qualifying occupant ceases to reside in the home all documented co-occupants may continue... 06/19/2008

Well, it finally has happened------South Carolina state legislature recently passed what may well be the toughest immigration law in the nation.  In all honesty, I believe the state was forced to act due to the fact that Georgia also has passed stricter laws.  The new law requires all business owners to either chech the status of new hires using E-Verify or make certain that all new hires have valid South Carolina driver's licenses.  I have no idea how one can verify whether a driver's license is valid or forged.  The new law will go into effect on July 1, 2009 for businesses with 100 or more employees.  If there are fewer than 100 employees, the law will kick in July 1, 2010.  I guess we'll all stay tuned to see how this plays out.  There will be issues of proper enforcement for sure. ... 06/19/2008

Well, it FINALLY happened!  The HGTV home located in Bluffton, South Carolina was awarded to a single mother who previously had lived in Bluffton.  Now how interesting is that!   Check out Tradition, Hilton Head for the complete story and photos of the Green Home.  Marsha Coulthard is the lucky winner and apparently, she moved away from Bluffton a few short years ago to live closer to her parents in Brandenton, Florida.  As reported in the Island Packet, Marsha entered the contest almost every day in the hopes of winning the home.  Can you imagine the shock and excitement of having the folks from  HGTV knock on your door to give the news?  According to the Island Packet newspaper, the Green Home is valued at $850,000.  In addition to winning the home, Marsha also won a 2008 GMC Yukon Hy... 06/08/2008

Well, I guess I learn something every day and the Bluffton Farmer's Market  is my lesson for today.  Up until a few moments ago, I had absolutely no idea this fabulous market even existed.  If you're in the area on Thursdays, plan on visiting the market until October 23 when things will wind down.  The event starts at 3 PM and is held at the Bluffton Oyster Cokpany at Park and Wharf St., downtown Bluffton.  Each week, there is a vast array of fresh local produce, flowers, baked goods, dairy products, desserts and fresh herbs.  FOR INFORMATION, CALL 843-815-4411.  06/02/2008

FABULOUS HOMESITE JUST LISTED IN PRESTIGIOUS BELFAIR PLANTATION Imagine traveling through the Avenue of the Oaks to your very special homesite located on prestigious Telfair Island off the 15th green of the West Course.  This full-sized homesite  has  breath taking double fairway views of the  15th and 13th holes of Belfair's private golf course.  Belfair is a private community located  on the mainland just a few miles from Hilton Head Island.  There are only 730 homesites located in this community with an emphasis placed on privacy plus all of the ameneties of a private golf community.  TWO CHAMPIONSHIP 18 HOLE TOM FAXIO GOLF COURSES JIM FERREE GOLF LEARNING CENTER, A 30 ACRE STATE-OF-THE-ART LEARNING CENTER 25,000 SQ FT CLUBHOUSE TOTALLY REMINISCENT OF THE GRAND OLD CLUBS OF THE NORTH... 05/31/2008

"We have just been advised by the golf club ownership that the club will be ceasing operations as of noon today. We will provide you with further information as it becomes available."  With those words in January, 2006, golf at Rose Hill Plantation in Bluffton, South Carolina suddenly ceased.A little more than a year later, a blogger summarized the subsequent deterioration,  "Does anyone notice the weeds and tall grass growing all over the golf course at Rose Hill Plantation? Why continue to water the grass if nobody will take care of it? It is the most visible golf course in Bluffton from Highway 278. How many newcomers are driving down and they see that?"Today all of that has changed after the Rose Hill Property Owners Association voted late in 2007 to buy the course for $2.3 million.... 04/21/2008

Gosh, it's that time again!  POLO IN ROSE HILL PLANTATION (located on the beautiful Equestrian Side of this lovely plantation and just across from the golf side) is off and running again!  Yes, Sunday March 30th was the "kick off" and we were there!  We were the guest of Range Rover and they really know how to put on the "dog"...maybe I should say "horse".. ha ha!  They had their own tent, served some great chow and drinks, waited on us like "royalty", as we sat comfortably and watched the horses, jumpers, hounds, and then the POLO... it was exciting and Range Rover sponsored one of the teams.   Guess I will have to make sure I keep my old Range Rover so I get invited to some more fun outings and just turn into a "social butterfly"...ha ha ha!If you have never seen a POLO match in perso... 04/02/2008

Presently, I am getting information that I believe will be interesting enough to inform prospective customers and clients on the one subject I know well, Bluffton and LowCountry Real Estate opportunities.  For now, if I haven't been too direct, please visit a current project of mine kinown as my website at www.DiscoverBluffton.com. You may wish to visit my photo gallery at www.BlufftonPhotos.com which includes various events and sights around town in all seasons and all lighting conditions that exist in our Corner of Carolina. Please email with any questions you may have about Real Estate in the area here. Thank You and be sure to come back soon for a look into one of Bluffton's grand events- The Bluffton Village Festival. Thank You,Will GuscioBroker AssociateSoutheastern Commercial Ser... 03/26/2008

Yes, you read it right!... In Bluffton a local landmark is a restuarant called the "Squat and Gobble" and it has been there a long time and fed many!...... Going along with that name for a restuarant, try this on for size.... Bluffton also has this catchy slogan "Bluffton is a State of Mind" !  This quaint treasured coastal town is also known as an "Artist Haven", attracting many people who want to enjoy this "laid back lifestyle".   Since it is growing fast, I feel I must tell you about one of the affordable, well built communities back behind the "Squat and Gobble" in the precious town of Bluffton. SC.   I am proud to say that my friend and former co-worker and builder, Del Crow, who is now KB Home Regional Construction Manager, has personally put his magic touch on these wonderful KB... 03/20/2008

Are you relocating to Hilton Head/Bluffton, SC area and wondering what activites are available for kids?  The soon to open Island Playground will be just what you are looking for!Here's what you'll enjoy at Island Playground:Huge, climate-controlled indoor playground featuring fun for kids and comfort for adultsGiant inflatables including exciting slides, winding obstacle courses and brightly-colored jumpersSeparate toddler exploration area with an ocean-themed inflatable, soft play gymnastics equipment, tunnels, climbers and ride-on toysImagination Stations including a fairytale castle with 2 slides, costume corner for little kings and queens, supermarket with cash register and grocery carts, a Dino-Dig table for the budding paleontologist and much, much moreLarge picnic area for enjoy... 03/01/2008

Spring in the Lowcountry!  I have daffodils on my mind today as we are experiencing some much needed rain here in the Hilton Head, Bluffton, South Carolina Lowcountry.  A sure sign that winter days are past is the annual tradition of picking daffodils at Calhoun Plantation located along Pickney Colony Road in Bluffton.  Years ago, (many years ago), Calhoun Plantation was a working daffodil farm but ceased operations in the 1970's.  Despite that, the daffodils continued to flourish and are just as beautiful today in their natural form.  The present owners open the fields to the public for approximately 3 weeks each year.  Many families make it an annual tradition to visit the daffodils and bring some home.  If you're visiting the area during this time, you may want to take some time to ... 02/26/2008

It's certainly no secret that one of our newest Bluffton communities, Hampton Lakes, has created quite a buzz in the Lowcountry.  Built upon a totally different model, this splendid community boasts miles and miles of waterways that meander around a 165 acre lake that encircles over  340 acres of pristine nature preserve.  But what REALLY caught my attention today, was an article in the Island Packet, our local newspaper, announcing that Hampton Lake's Lakeside Village recently won top honors from the National Association of Homebuilder's at their recent awards ceremony in Orlando, Fl.  No small feat, indeed!  Currently, there are over 100 homes under construction with a variety of approved builders and model homes on site.  The price point for homes in Hampton Lakes starts around $300K... 02/17/2008

  I'm sure as I write this, we have many golfers in the north who are dreaming about blue skies and warm weather.  Well folks, it IS that time of the year---put away the snow shovels and head on down to the Lowcountry.  I've just started to focus on all of the new happenings in the Bluffton, SC area and realized I've never done a blog that mentions the numerous public golf courses in the area.  So here goes!  PHOTO IS FOR TEMPTATION ONLY!       CRESCENT POINTE GOLF CLUB:      843-706-2600      www.crescentpointegolf.com/bookateetimelink.htm EXECUTIVE GOLF CLUB (A PAR 3 COURSE)  843-686-6400  EAGLE'S POINTE GOLF CLUB    943-696-4467   http://www.eaglespointegolf.com/main.htm ISLAND WEST GOLF  843-705-4999   http://www.islandwestgolf.net/golf/proto/islandwestgolf/ HILTON HEAD NATIONAL  88... 02/16/2008

  Buckwalter Parkway is the NEW  heart of Bluffton and teeming with new home communities, shopping centers, restaurants and recreational areas.  This area, just off Rt. 278, is the fastest growing area in all of Beaufort County, South Carolina. Situated along Buckwalter, are many new home communities plus the brand new Bluffton High Schoo, Bluffton Elementary School as well as private schools.  Photo below shows the new Bluffton High School. FOR INFORMATION ABOUT ANY OF THE NEW HOME COMMUNITIES LISTED BELOW, PLEASE CONTACT ME THROUGH MY WEBSITE:   http://www.dianebell.com/  or by cell phone:  843-247-5419 HAMPTON HALL,    http://www.hamptonhallsc.com/  ALLSTON PARK      http://www.alstonpark.com/ SHELL HALL             PINECREST              http://www.centexhomes.com/Hilton-Head/N44972... 02/16/2008

Hilton Head Island & Bluffton Tax Info  South Carolina State Income Tax: The South Carolina state income tax system is fairly similar to the national system where you are allowed certain deductions from your total income and are taxed on the remaining income. The figures for the South Carolina tax rate on personal income are as follows:  2% on the first $2,000; 5% on the next $2,000; 3% on the next $2,000; 6% on the next $2,000; 4% on the next $2,000; and 7% on everything over $10,000. Personal Property Tax: South Carolina does not have an intangible personal property tax on bank accounts, stocks, bonds, or similar items.  There is a tangible property tax on automobiles, airplanes, and boats.  The tax is the same for real estate and depends on which district you live in.  Hilton Head Is... 12/21/2007

The Buckwalter parkway area has undergone a great deal of change in the past three years. It is the location of Bluffton's newer Communities including: The Willows, Arborwood, Woodbridge, Sandy Pointe, Wyngate, Edgefield, The Farm, Hampton Hall, Shell Hall, Pine Crest & Pine Ridge, and Rose Du Creek. Buckwalter Regional MapPlans call for the Lowcountry's first Technology Village in Buckwalter. Strategic alliances with Palmetto Electric providing reliable power to Berkeley Commons, and with all the educational institutions in the region including linkages to the new USCB campus, which is just two miles from Berkeley Commons, are in the works."Buckwalter Community ParkNewer developments include the  Sea Turtleccineplex, with small restaurants and shops surrounding it.Buckwalter Parkway is... 12/18/2007

Bluffton offers something for everyone. There is plenty of inventory to choose from and now is the time to buy. Not included here is the wide choice of New homes available in our newer communities: The Havens, Alston Park, Lawton Station, Mill Creek, and others. Bluffton Real Estate--These statistics are for Off-plantation areas170 North to Oldfield170 South to 46Burnt Church Rd to Simmonsville Rd, Downtown Bluffton, Gibbet Rd to Jasper County, Graves Bridge to Burnt Church Rd, Pinckney Colony, Pritchardville, Simmonsville Rd to 170Simmonsville Rd,  to Gibbet Rd, OtherBuckwalter Parkway, Old Carolina / The Traditions  Active Listings Bluffton - 655 Properties BedroomsFull BathsHalf BathsList PriceSale PriceMin  110$ 118,500$ 0Avg320$ 392,548$ 0Max863$ 15,000,000$ 0 "Plantation" Properti... 12/17/2007

Greater Bluffton South Carolina is a real estate market area that consists of many gated and non-gated  communities within the 29909 and 29910 & 29927 zip code areas. Once a long lost sibling of Hilton Head Island, Bluffton as burgeoning, if not bursting at the seams, with many new planned unit developments. This is a place with a good demographic mix, with Baby Boomers , many of whom call Sun City home; and the younger folk. Included in this area is Hardeeville (29927), which will one day become the fourth largest city in South Carolina If you want to stretch it, Ridgeland is a short 17 miles from Bluffton, but it has a personality all of it's own. It will remain rural, but there are new communities being built and lots of open space for developers. Hilton Head Island is yet another s... 12/13/2007

Dozens of off-island plantation communities surround Hilton Head Island in neighboring Bluffton, Okatie, and Beaufort.  While they still offer the privacy and luxury of plantation living, off-island residential communities can be less expensive and frequently alot more space per acreage per lot than other Hilton Head Island plantation homesites.    Private communities such as Rose Hill, Moss Creek, Colleton River, and Island West are gated.  Many neighborhoods have golf courses, tennis courts, clubhouses; complete with swimming pools and more.  A couple of them also have nature trails and preserves, equestrian centers, and marinas with access to the Atlantic Ocean as well as local rivers.   Condos, homes, cottages, vacation rentals, and for-sale homesites are all available.  Views inclu... 12/07/2007