I came across this photo called "AN EARLY MORNING SAIL."  The talented photographer is a friend of mine, Pam Bredin, of Hilton Head Island.  I hope everyone enjoys the serene  beauty this photo evokes. 12/27/2008

I recently came across some interesting tidbits of history concerning Hilton Head Island.  What most visitors to our island don't realize, is how relatively "new" our island really is.  Unlike Charleston and Savannah, Hilton Head Island was basically created from the early 1950's to present.  So, I hope you find some of these facts of interest.  In 1949, a consortium of business men purchased 20,000 acres of land for $60 per acre. In 1950, there were only 300 full time residents on the island.  Logging was the main  business with 19,000 acres being harvested. 1950--the first electricity came to the island by Palmetto Electric Cooperative (still here and doing business.) In 1954, Hilton Head Elementary School opened and served the island's black population.  In 1955, the first 2 room mot... 12/27/2008

My sweet tooth is getting the best of me today so I thought I might let you know about a new business that just recently opened in Hilton Head.  Sweet Carolina Cupcakes is the first bakery that specializes ONLY in cupcakes.  It seems that cupcakes have started to become very popular with the tradition starting a few years back in California.  Here's the scoop if you're interested:  LOCATION:  32 OFFICE PARK RD (SOUTH END OF ISLAND) PHONE:  843-342-2611 OR 843-338-4061 SOUNDS TEMPTING, DOESN'T IT!  Note:  photo is courtesy of Wikipedia and does not represent the actual product from Sweet Carolina Cupcakes--I'm sure there product is much grander. 12/27/2008

For the past 3 years, there's been an odd tradition taking place at Coligny Beach Park each January 1st---it seems that some folks think it's a good idea to go SWIMMING!  Yes, the water is only like 55 degrees at that time of the year.  What must they be thinking of?  This year's event will take place at 11AM so if you just happen to be in the Hilton Head area and feel especially brave, come on out---I WON'T BE THERE BUT IT MIGHT MAKE FOR A GOOD PHOTO SHOOT!  Brr---I can feel the chill already. 12/27/2008

Goodness, the world is probably going to be coming to an end with the recent announcement that STREET LIGHTS will soon be coming to Route 278 that leads from Bluffton to Hilton Head Island.  So, what's so unusual about this?  There are NO streetlights in Hilton Head and many residents aim to keep it that way for a long time.  The lights that ARE planned are for Rt 278 and will be placed at major intersections to assist motorists at night off island. The good news is that Beaufort County has mandated the use of LED lights so at least we'll be environmentally correct.  No plans for street lights on Hilton Head Island yet, but stay tuned---that could happen sometime in the next 50 years.  Who know?  And, that's what makes Hilton Head so unique and appealing to folks from all over the world... 12/27/2008

More good news is on the horizon for Hilton Head Island!  The Island Packet Newspaper reported today that Hilton Head ranked well in the recent Southern Living Magazine Reader's Choice Awards.  With the lousy national economy,  we're welcoming this good news---should translate into many more visitors to our beautiful island. The areas where Hilton Head ranked well were "best beaches" and "top family destinations." Neither of these should be a surprise to anyone who visits Hilton Head.  Each year, families from all over the world, flock to our island for their annual vacations. The Reader's Choice Awards will be announced in the January issue of Southern Living Magazine.  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HILTON HEAD OR BLUFFTON REAL ESTATE, I INVITE YOU TO VISIT MY WEBSITE.  12/25/2008

This sure has been a challenging year for just about every single person I've known.  There have been heart-breaking stories, families losing loved ones and others losing their homes.  I just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a Blessed Holiday.  My thoughts and prayers are with you this season.  I hope you will find happiness and peace. May I wish everyone a better 2009-----My sister always tells me a funny saying that I've kind of adopted over the years and I hope it doesn't offend anyone--It goes like this---WHEN IN HELL, RUN LIKE HELL!  Very simple but it resonates this year.   I sincerely wish my friends  a healthy, prosperous and happy 2009.  And since 2008 was "hell" for many, let's get moving on as quickly as possible.  Live Life, don't let Life Live You!  12/24/2008

Just a quick reminder that no one needs to be alone tomorrow because Hilton Head will once again have the annual Christmas Dinner.  This year, unlike other years, it will be held at the Holiday Inn @ South Forest Beach Drive.  The free buffet is taking place from 11 AM to 3 PM.  Please, if you are alone for the holidays, take the opportunity to join some of your neighbors at this event.  I would just hate for anyone to be alone with no family or friends.  12/24/2008

Windmill Harbour was created in 1981 and is located on a 172-acre peninsula on the Intracoastal Waterway immediately after crossing the bridge from the mainland to Hilton Head Island. It is now the home of the South Carolina Yacht Club. The primary focal point is its 15-acre inland harbour (twice the size of Harbour Town) with an innovative, but simple, user-operated navigational lock that transports sailboats and powerboats from the tidal fluctuations of the adjacent Waterway into the stable waters of the yacht basin. A deep-water pier outside the harbour accommodates boaters picking up passengers and supplies, or those who wish merely to tie up for a short period of time. Up to 270 boat slips are also available. There is also a Sports Center serving both the pool and tennis court area... 12/23/2008

12/22/2008

As part of my responsibility as a buyer's agent, I view and read market reports and, more importantly, sources that provide good ideas and a broader understanding of the multitude of factors that come into being a professional real estate agent. One of my recent findings came from the Realogy Corporation, and I agree with their recommendations. That said, as consumers we need to tune out the pervasive, never-ending, negative news from most media outlets. Let's get back to thinking for ourselves using verifiable information that is relevant to each of our own special goals and needs for the lifestyle we choose to live. Then let's make a plan and get on with it using the principles that make America great. We've always taken calculated risks because of the American spirit of working to ma... 12/22/2008

There sure wasn't much good news locally or nationally for the month of November but I did see a little ray of sunshine when the Bluffton Today recently reported that Beaufort County enjoys (did I say enjoys?) the second lowest rate of unemployment in the entire state.  At 6.3% and up from 6% in November, it isnt' exactly something to rave about but compare it to the 8.4% state rate, then I guess we DO have something to cheer about.  The state average of 8.4% is the highest rate we've seen since September of 1983.  The Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce has really done an exemplary  job of keeping Hilton Head and Bluffton in the news as well as encouraging visitors from all over the world to visit our beautiful Lowcountry area.  Let's hope we have a brisk winter and spring golf season and ... 12/20/2008

THE MAGIC OF THE NEW YEAR is the theme of the annual New Year's Eve Party hosted by the SANDBOX, Hilton Head Island's only interactive children's museum.  If you've never visited the Sandbox with your children, make it a point to stop by one afternoon---the kids will love it and you will enjoy the respite.  This year's event will be at the Harbour Town Club in Sea Pines.  There will be live music plus an on site party for the kids.  WANT MORE INFORMATION?  CONTACT 843-842-7645 OR VISIT THE SANDBOX WEBSITE. Complete information is available there for adult and children's tickets.  12/19/2008

In previous blogs, we've discussed some of the ins and outs of Short Sales.  In order to qualify for the Short Sale approval from a bank, you will need to present some hard and fast facts to the powers to be.  After they've reviewed your criteria, it is very possible you will be approved if you can prove some of the following: You need to prove to the bank that the value of your home has dropped.  If you feel this is the case, enlist a Realtor who knows your neighborhood values and can assist you in finding comparables.  Keep in mind that the bank may still want to do their own appraisal in order to find common ground with your information. Lenders are not considering Short Sales whether the mortgage is current or  in default.  It seems to me that lenders are much more amenable to worki... 12/19/2008

Unemployment and job loss looming on the horizon?  Well, I hope this never happens to anyone in the Lowcountry areas of Hilton Head and Bluffton, but the reality is that it could happen to anyone.  Sure, you've heard a lot about Short Sales and Foreclosures but may not know the difference.  In the next few days, I'll be writing some blogs that explain some of the more important issues that you will face if you're considering a Short Sale. For starters, just WHAT is a Short Sale?  A Short Sale is when a lender agrees to accept less than what you owe on your property.  You will most likely need to be a few payments behind on your payment before the lender will talk with you but not always.  Banks have become much more approachable in the past few months (maybe they're finally grasping the... 12/18/2008

I try to be as active as I can be on both by joining the appropriate groups etc.., but I was wondering from others, of the 2, which has brought you more business?  Sure you have contacts, friends or associates...but has either network made you any money? I am contacting agents for business, but have any agents actually received referrals from either of these?  Any what about Twitter?  Is it worth getting involved in or is it much of the same? 12/17/2008

Last Sunday, I took my grandson to the last performance of "A MAIN STREET CHRISTMAS" produced by the Main Street Youth Theatre and I can honestly say I was blown away!  The excellence as well as creativity of these kids was nothing short of awesome.  Although this year's performance is over, here are some upcoming after school classes sponsored by the Theatre.  MONDAY:  DRAMA CLASS FOR AGES 7-11 -----4-5:30 PM TUESDAY:  SCENE STUDY AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT....AGES 12+  4-6:00 PM WEDNESDAY: BEGINNING AND   INTERMEDIATE TAP---AGES 8+  3:45-4:45 PM FRIDAY:  ADVANCED JAZZ-----AGES 12+   3:45 -5:15 PM FRIDAY:  INTRODUCTION TO DANCE----AGES 5-7  5:00-5:45 PM FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE CLASSES CONTACT:  Main Street Youth Theatre or 689-MAIN FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT REAL ESTATE IN HILT... 12/16/2008

Visiting Hilton Head or Bluffton for the holidays?  Maybe your kids are coming with the grand kids and you're looking for some events that will help to fill the holiday schedule.....so here's a list of some promising upcoming events: "A MAIN STREET CHRISTMAS" from the Main Street Youth Theatre, weekends until December 14th.  INFORMATION:l  589-6246 BLUFFTON'S CHRISTMAS TOUR OF THE CHURCHES AND LIVING NATIVITY PAGEANT, 5-8 pm December 19th.  BEDTIME STORIES AT THE HILTON HEAD LIBRARY, 6:45 @ 11 Beach City Road, Free to all SWINGING SHELTER CHRISTMAS PARTY/DASHING DOGGIES CHRISTMAS PARAGE, noon-2 pm on December 13 at the Hilton Head Humane Association--681-8686 GREG RUSSEL CHRISTMAS CONCERT--Holiday favorites @ 7:30 PM , December 23 at the Liberty Oak Tree in Sea Pines--Free to all SWIM I... 12/13/2008

IF YOU'RE VISITING HILTON HEAD FOR THE HOLIDAYS, make sure you take some time from your busy schedule to visit the French Bakery, located in Pineland Station, just around the corenr from the Stein Mart.  I always think this is one of the best kept secrets on the island-----baked goods and food are beyond delicious and the gracious  owners will make you feel very welcome the minute you step through their door.  On a warm winter day, you'll enjoy sitting outside in the courtyard surrounded by a lavish floral holiday display.   Enjoy a hot steaming cup of coffee, some of their homemade soups or sandwiches and finish the event with a delicious French Pastry.  Last year, I purchased loaves of freshly baked bread that made fabulous holiday gifts for my neighbors.  FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTA... 12/12/2008

If ever there was a year that we need to give serious consideration to area charities, this is definitely it!  With the economy in the doldrums and jobs vanishing, wouldn't you hate to think that a needy family might miss out  on the joys of Christmas?  In the Lowcountry, we have many exemplary local charities but if you're thinking about some lesser well-known charities, here are some sites where you can check out other less familiar non-profits. CHARITY NAVIGATOR, ranks over 5300 charities on their financial health. THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU WISE GIVING ALLIANCE, gathers facts that help you to make an informed decision. GUIDESTAR complies financial information about charities and makes this information available online. So, what will you do this year?  Let your conscience be your gui... 12/12/2008