I am not a firm believer in averages on homes that are not similar. However, they do serve a purpose n spotting trends in the market place.Sea Pines plantation is located on Hilton Head Island and considerred the premier residential resort destination on the island and else where. The develpment guidelines that were established by Sea Pines Company are copied all over the world. Numerous employees of Sea Pines have gone on to develope world class residental and resort communities. So, when it comes to real estate on the island Sea Pines tends to lead the way in sales, appreciation and rebounding from down turns in the market.The number of new listings peked in March 2008 and the number of homes going under contract had two strong months: February and July 2008. September had a good mont... 11/13/2008

Let's take a look at Villa activity in Hilton Head Plantation.  The following data has been derived from the HIlton Head MLS and is assumed to be correct but not warranted. In 2007, we had 21 active villa listings compared to 25 currently on the market in 2008.  2007 saw 14 villas closed as compared to 12 in 2008.  A decrease of 14% for the current year. Percent to Sale Price in 2007 was 94.26% as compared to 92.84% in 2008. Average Sale Price in 2007 was $566,666 as compared to $463,730 in 2008 a decrease of 18%. Average Days on the Market in 2007 was 105 as compared to 165 in 2008, an increase of 36%. It is quite easy to see that our local Villa Market offers a fantastic buying opportunity.  If you've been considering a move to Hilton Head Plantation, I couldn't imagine a better buyi... 11/11/2008

A quit claim deed is the legal way that one person (the grantor) transfers real property, such as a house or land, to another person (the grantee). As an example, a divorcing husband may quit claim his interest in certain real estate to his ex-wife.While the concept is simple and straightforward - relinquishing all ownership claims to a particular property - it's also important to note what a quit claim can't do.In renouncing claim, the grantor makes no guarantee or promise that the property is free of debt. Another important distinction is that the grantor makes no promise that no one else claims to own the property. Tracing its origin to Anglo-Norma times (circa 1,000 CE), the quit claim deed says, in effect, that the grantor is signing over whatever ownership he or she may have in th... 11/11/2008

Due to the efforts of our Insurance Commissioner, Scott Richardson, we now have many new insurance companies willing to write business for real estate in our area. All of the companies are A-rated or better and admitted to the State. This means that the insurers are bound by South Carolina's Guarantee Act. These new companies are competitive and give us options so that we are, in most cases, no longer bound to the expensive Lexington and Lloyds products. As a generalization, I would say that insurance prices have dropped to about 1% of the purchase price of the home, sometimes less. This is a considerable drop from the previous year's when it was as much as 2%.I hope this gives you a little insight into the insurance market. My thanks to Kristin Hayrinen at Kinghorn Insurance for her in... 11/11/2008

The new 2009 Loan Limits for FHA Loans were recently announced for Beaufort and Jasper County.  These new limits will take place January 1, 2009 and are as follows: SOUTH CAROLINA CONFORMING LOAN LIMITS for single family units stays the same @ $417,000 FHA LOAN LIMITS FOR BEAUFORT AND JASPER COUNTRY will be $310,500.  If you are hoping to close a loan prior to December 31, 2008, contact your local mortgage representative for information about current limits (which may be a bit higher in certain instances.) 11/11/2008

I've been pouring over the most recent MLS statistics from the Hilton Head MLS and found some interesting activity in the Port Royal Plantation Market.  The information below represents a comparison from January 1, 2008 to October 31, 2008.  In 2007 there were 52 active listings while in 2008 there are 72 active listings for the same period. 35 Properties sold in 2007 while 30 sold in 2008 showing a 14% decline in the market Percent to Sale Price in 2007 was 93.22% and 91.94% for 2008. Average Sale Price in 2007---$897,557 with 896,500 in 2008. Days on the market in 2007 was 125 and 2008 showed an increase to 157. One must keep in mind that we will see a further decrease in these figures for November and December but all in all, it looks like Port Royal (which incidentally, is one of m... 11/11/2008

This morning I attended a meeting  bright and early at the Sea Pines Country Club.  Since the morning was so glorious, I took my camera with me to take advantage of the beauty Sea Pines has to offer.  I'm sure  when you see these photos, you'll wish you were on the golf course too!  FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SEA PINES REAL ESTATE, PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE.  I INVITE YOUR INQUIRIES, QUESTIONS AND REFERRALS ANYTIME.    11/11/2008

  ARE YOU INTERESTED IN FINDING VERY SPECIAL AND UNIQUE HOLIDAY GIFTS?  SURE, WE CAN FIND THE TYPICAL ITEMS AT STORES LIKE TJ MAXX , CIRCUIT CITY AND SAKS, BUT WHY NOT CONSIDER SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL ARTISTS WHO PRODUCT SUCH EXTRAORDINARY ORIGINAL GIFTS? The Art League of Hilton Head will be having a special Holiday Boutique from December 8 until January 30 and will feature works of area artists, all original hand crafted jewelry, ornaments, art, sculpture and pottery.  Plus much more! The event will take place at their Art League store that is located in Pineland Station near the north end of the island.  FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE ART LEAGUE OF HILTON HEAD  I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. FOR ALL OF YOUR HILTON HEAD AND BLUFFTON REAL ESTATE NEEDS, PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE. ... 11/10/2008

Greetings from Shipyard! Now that the Presidential Election is past and we all know who will lead the new administration, we can look forward to the upcoming Holiday's. Believe it or not, last night the Mrs. and I saw Holiday lights on the trees being lit here on Hilton Head. Can Santa be far behind? Let's not too far ahead of ourselves, this being November, let's talk Turkey! Thanksgiving has always been a major Holiday in our home. As a child, it was a time to gather with my aunt's, uncle's and cousins at Nana and Poppa Fanning's farmhouse in Southampton, NY.  I became a father for the 1st time on Thanksgiving and two years later for a 2nd time, as well. It has always been a festive day to gather and give thanks for the blessings we have. This year is no exception. I hope you will be ... 11/08/2008

After a review of Hilton Head Island communities, it is interesting to  note that Palmetto Hall Plantation has survived the real estate slowdown in pretty good fashion.   Always a favorite island community, Palmetto Hall is conveniently located at the north end of the island and one of the most recently developed plantations on the island.  PALMETTO HALL REAL ESTATE STATISTICS YEAR TO DATE: In 2007, there were 20 homes sold as compared to 19 in 2008.  The percent to sales ratio  fell from 96% in 2007 to 93.80% in 2008  (still respectable as compared to many national statistics.) 2007 Average Sale Price---$706,885 2008 Average Sale Price---$625,263  2007 Average days on the market---87 2008 Average days on the market---181  (quite an increase!) Looking at these statistics, it is easy to... 11/07/2008

Mark your calendar and be sure to  bring the kids to Shelter Cove on Saturday, November 29th for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting.  The seasonal event is always eagerly anticipated by Hilton Head and Bluffton families.  Enjoy the carols, crafts and a special visit from St. Nicholas.  What a nice way to start the holiday season plus it's a free event for the community!  for more information, contact 842-ARTS---www.artshhi.com Time:  3:30-5:00 PM 11/07/2008

www.wellnessdestinationscentral.com I found this site in a local magazine and when I finally found time to investigate, I was literally blown away by the depth of information.  This is the fastest growing online directory of alternative therapiesand wellness practitioners.  I checked the Hilton Head area......There were many providers that I had no idea existed.  Take a moment and visit this site.  It lists just about every possible alternative health modality that is in existence.  If you're interested in more than mainstream medicine, this site will be of value. 11/06/2008

With all of the numerous dining opportunities in Hilton Head, some just seem to stick and become "let's go back to" establishments.......Mainly Sandstone is definitely a Keeper! Although not new to the Hilton Head catering crowd, the owners recently opened a location @ 35 Main Street, Hilton Head that offers a dine in or take out experience. The food is exemplary to say the least!  Freshly prepared each day, there is something for everyone with the emphasis on healthy cuisine.  But that sure doesn't mean boring.  Prices are excellent and service is unsurpassed.  So if you're near the north end of the island, make sure you stop by and visit the fine folks at Sandstone.....You'll not be disappointed.  For more information -----681-5732 FOR ALL OF YOUR HILTON HEAD AND BLUFFTON REAL ESTATE ... 11/06/2008

I'm really impressed with the "Green Efforts" taking place at Sea Pines Montessori School.....with 2 of my grandchildren currently enrolled, I've had the opportunity to witness their new environmental policies.  This year, the children are participating in collecting recyclables in each individual classroom.  Additinally, parents are providing recyclable products in the children's daily lunch to cut waste.  No more paper napkins--my grandkids take organic napkins to school.  The Green Apple Boutique will being operations in the school lobby this month.  Free trade, organic and eco friendly products will be offered for sale.  What a  great way to educate the little ones! Emphasis is also placed on healthy eating....students are not allowed processed or sugar dense foods or beverages.  He... 11/06/2008

Golfers from 15 Harris Teeter Senior Amateur Tours, will compete on Hilton Head Island. A field of 140 Senior Golf competitors is expected to tee it up on the Oyster Reef and the Barony course at Port Royal during the 36-hole stroke-play championship, on the 11th and 12th of Novemeber. The annual skins game will take place at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, the 11th at the Barony. They will be welcomed into a brand new clubhouse which will be used during the tournament. There are four flights and the prize pool will consist of $10,000 in gift certificates  Port Royal was recognized as a "1997 Silver Medal Resort" by Golf Magazine for its three spectacular 18-hole golf courses, The Barony, Planter's Row, and Robber's Row. Map and Directions For more info, call (843) 681-1760 11/05/2008

FOR TRUE EMERGENCIES, ALWAYS DIAL 911- CONTACT INFORMATION FOR POLICE, SHERIFF AND HIGHWAY PATROL IN BEAUFORT COUNTY: Beaufort County Hilton Head Sheriff's Office     843.842.4111     Evenings:  785-3618 Beaufort Office:    843.470.3200 Bluffton Police Department:  843.706.4550 South Carolina Highway Department  843.953.6010 You never know when these phone numbers may come in handy---so why not bookmark this and keep it where you'll be able to access it if necessary.  PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT HILTON HEAD AND BLUFFTON REAL ESTATE. I WELCOME YOUR INQUIRIES, QUESTIONS AND REFERRALS! 11/05/2008

Without too much fanfare or objection, Hilton Head residents gave their overwhelming approval to the town referendum that would allow Hilton Head to borrow $17 Million to shore up the town's land buying fund.  According to the Island Packet Newspaper, over 74% of voters  said yes to the referendum. This is nothing new to Hilton Head residents, since 1977  there have been 5 referendums put before the public and all of them have overwhelmingly passed.......our community has a clear vision of how they want their island preserved.  This will equate to $8 added to resident's tax bills for every $200,000 of appraised value---a small price to pay to keep land from being commercially developed.  I'm pleased our community stepped up to the plate and voted yes!  11/05/2008

   I'm quite sure that no one will be surprised with this month's Hilton Head Plantation Market Report.  In short, IT WAS A VERY VERY QUIET MONTH.  I've always wondered by October is such a horrid month for the stock market?  It appears this month's stock market performance had a trickle down effect on area real estate performance.  WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?  Simply, good news for buyers ( in fact the best news they could imagine) and not so good news for sellers.  Sellers, you'll need to be VERY realistic if you are planning on selling your home by year's end.  FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER, HILTON HEAD PLANTATION SAW THE FOLLOWING RESULTS:  There werre 17 new listings that came on the market with an average listing price of $782,278. Pending activity was 7 with an average list price of $402,02... 11/03/2008

Dining out in Hilton Head can be a HUGE decision-----you see, we have over 250 restaurants on the island and I don't know of anyone who has ever visited all of them.  Tourists always ask residents for recommendations and if you had 5 people together, no one would ever have the same choices. The Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce just announced an interesting addition to their website:  They've launched a Micro-site Culinary Dining Guide.  This is a great site that allows residents and visitors to log on and search for a restaurant by cuisine or location.  There's also a link to the restaurant's website and menu.   As an added incentive, the Chamber is holding a contest.  If anyone visits at least 10 of the restaurants, they can enter a contest to receive a $100 dining certificate.   If you... 11/03/2008

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... 11/03/2008