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Hilton Head Island, SC Real Estate News

By Kamal Eways
(Keller Williams Realty)
Who was Fred C. Hack and why was he important to the development of Hilton Head Island? With all the notoriety Charles Fraser has received (justifiably so) for the founding and development of Hilton Head Island, SC, one man, seldom mentioned it can be argued, had as much impact on Hilton Head as Charles Fraser.  That man is Fred C. Hack! After all it was Mr. Hack who in about 1949 told Joseph Fraser, Charles' dad, about the timber opportunities on Hilton Head Island.  At that time Joseph Fraser controlled substantial timber holdings and operated the Fraser Lumber Company.  Mr. Hack, from Hinesville, Georgia scouted timber for lumber companies.  He told Fraser about his planned trip to Hilton Head Island for such a scouting expedition.  Fraser told Hack that he may be interested, and th...
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By Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton
(Charter 1 Real Estate, Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC)
  I'm sure there were more than a few merchants and residents who were delighted to find that Southern Living Magazine just named Hilton Head Island, SC as the top vacation destination for Memorial Day.  And why wouldn't they?  With the myriad of activities the island offers, it is the perfect family destination not only at Memorial Day but year-round.  Incidentally, our island HAS become a year-round vacation spot with a strong fall and spring golf season as well as family vacation time during the summer.  Some of the places mentioned in the article as must do's included the Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, Redfish Restaurant, an excellent seafood restaurant with the most extensive wine collection I've ever seen.  I always said I wish I had their wine collection in my IRA!   And of cours...
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By Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton
(Charter 1 Real Estate, Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC)
WHAT A FABULOUS PRICE ON THIS DRASTICALLY REDUCED HOMESITE IN HILTON HEAD PLANTATION!  PRICED FOR QUICK SALE  AT $399,500 Owners (SCREA) have continued to reprice this homesite to reflect current market conditions.  Located directly across from Port Royal Sound, the views are magnificient to say the least.  This homesite represents probably the best value in all of Hilton Head Plantation! 
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By Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton
(Charter 1 Real Estate, Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC)
SHRIMP MICHAELS has become one of my favorite restauants here on Hilton Head Island.  It may very well be one of the best kept secrets due to the fact that it is "not" located in the tourist area of the island.  Located in Port Royal Plaza at the north end of the island, we discovered this restaurant quite by accident when we were looking for a quiet place to dine last Friday evening.  What a  pleasant surprise for us!  Talk about a new twist on a tomato mozzarella salad--Michael, the owner, produces a delectable salad with a blueberry reduction that truly tempts the taste buds.  After the salad, we both enjoyed a dozen each of the steamed and spiced shrimp served with cocktail and horseradish sauce.  There sure wasn't anything wrong with the fried green tomatoes either!   The only oth...
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By Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton
(Charter 1 Real Estate, Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC)
It appears that good news is on the horizon for teachers in South Carolina.  A new $20 million initiative  program was recently announced with the purpose of offering low interest home loans to South Carolina teachers.  As a former teacher myself, this is music to my ears because I truly know the struggles that teachers have in securing homes in the Lowcountry areas of Bluffton and Hilton Head as well as other areas in the state. Teachers with valid South Carolina teacher certifications, who are currently residing and teaching in the state of have a contract to begin teaching will be eligible for the program.  In addition to the lower interest rates available, they can also take advantage of two down payment assistance loans, one of which is forgivable if the teacher resides in the home...
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By Willy Fanning, Taking real estate to the next level!
(The Alliance Group Realty)
With a cannon blast and tee shot by last years champion Boo Weekly into Calibogue Sound the 2008 Verizon Heritage of Golf begins.I had an opportunity to drive some visitors through Sea Pines yesterday afternoon and introduce them to the Resort. Since it was mid afternoon and the opening festivities had ceased, I was able to drive down Plantation Drive right through the heart of the Harbourtown course. What a great feeling seeing all the security, patrons and visitors milling about. It really impressed my folks!Sea Pines offers some unique advantages to being a property owner, the Heritage being one of them. Also in the mix is the miles of sandy beach and access to the beach of course, fabulous world class golf and tennis facilities and the thousands who choose to vacation here every yea...
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By Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton
(Charter 1 Real Estate, Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC)
  IT'S ALMOST TIME FOR HERITAGE WEEK!  This is probably the busiest week of the year for Hilton Head Island with golfing enthusiasts expected to visit  the island for this year's 40th Anniversary Event to be held from April 14 through 20 at Harbour Town Golf Links in Sea Pines .  Bet you didn't know that Heritage is South Carolina's ONLY PGA tournament!  This year the field of golfers includes John Daly, Boo Weekly, Ernie Els, Zach Johnson, Justin Leonard, Stewart Cink, Brandt Snedeker, Jim Furyk, Scott Verplant, Chris DeMarco, Cliff Kresge and Vaughn Taylor as well as other lesser known golfers who will be competing for a part of the purse of $5.5 million.  Alas, no, Tiger will not be present.  He never plays in this tournament and word is that he likes longer courses (and of course, t...
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By Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton
(Charter 1 Real Estate, Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC)
Well, here I go again!  I'm all fired up because each and every year I've tried to grow roses in my gardens with no success.  Either the heat, insects, mold, mildew or deer seem to prevail over my gardening endeavors  every time.  BUT, I think this year will be different.   I saw first hand, in my sister's garden, how much beauty can come from successful rose gardening.  She and her husband have  incorporated a rose called, the KNOCK OUT ROSE, into their gardens and the results are magnificient.  These roses  can be purchases at www.waysidegardens.com but I also found them  at the local Wal Mart.  So here goes--I'll report back in another couple months.  The photos in this blog are courtesy of Wayside Gardens.    Visit Hilton Head Real Estate for information about Hilton Head and Blufft...
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By Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton
(Charter 1 Real Estate, Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC)
We had a little incident over the weekend with some visiting relatives who needed to find either an urgent care center or head to the hospital emergency room.  Thinking about it, I realized that through complaceny, I had never given much thought to where our URGENT CARE centers are situated both on and off island.  Hopefully, this list may be helpful to someone who is visiting our beautiful island  but may not be that familiar with our facilities.  CROSS ISLAND MEDICAL CENTER, HIGHWAY 278  681-8260 MAIN STREET MEDICAL , 93 MAIN ST. HILTON HEAD 681-3777 COMPREHENSIVE FAMILY CARE (NEAR SEA PINES) 341-3232 DOCTOR'S CARE 64 BLUFFTON RD., BLUFFTON, SC  757-0676 URGENT CARE AND FAMILY MEDICINE OF HILTON HEAD  843 WM HILTON P'KWY 843-3331     PLEASE VISIT HILTON HEAD PROPERTIES FOR INFORMATION...
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By Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton
(Charter 1 Real Estate, Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC)
The past few blogs I've written all concentrated on flowers and bushes that flourish in  my spring garden.  With the upcoming warmer days, I will sadly say "adieu" to my winter flowering Camellia bushes that provided such exquisite and varied  color all winter long in the gardens of Hilton Head residents.    The Camellia plant emanted to this country from Asia and Japan where it  originated.  Also  interesting is  that Camellia Oil is made from the flowers and is highly beneficial to healthy skin.  I almost always have a bottle of Camellia oil in my refrigerator (to keep it fresh) and use it as an additive to facial and hand creams that I use.  To purchase Camellia Oil, visit Garden of Wisdom , a company that specializes in fine quality essential oils offered at attractive prices.  Cons...
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By Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton
(Charter 1 Real Estate, Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC)
Honeysuckle is another beauty to consider for your Lowcountry gardens.  Known for it's lush deep orange range of shades, it is widely used in Florida gardens and sometimes doesn't survive a South Carolina winter.  But, I've had phenomenal success with mine by doing some serious leaf mulching around the root base at the first hint of cold weather.  Remember that Hilton Head lies in a sub tropical zone so we have a bit more freedom with this variety.  Planting this in your garden will give you several months of colorful blossoms plus the added bonus of an occasional family of hummingbirds frequenting your garden.     
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By Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton
(Charter 1 Real Estate, Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC)
You guessed it---The lovely spring weather we've been experiencing in Hilton Head has awakened my gardening instinct.  Today, I'll tell you about another one of my very favorite plants, the Mandevilla, that thrives in our Lowcountry climate.  Although this vine that is sometimes referred to as Diplodenia, will most likely not survive the winter, it is easy to duplicate it each year by visiting the local nurseries.  Each year, I purchase several and plant them around various trees in my yard.  The result is a profusion of exquisite colors all summer long.  The extra bonus is finding a Hummingbird partaking of the nectar. 
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By Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton
(Charter 1 Real Estate, Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC)
Today was special because I found new buds on my Night Flowering Jasmine that a dear friend of mine planted late last year in my garden.  I wasn't sure if it would survive the winter but sure enough, my day was made when I saw the new growth.  Sometimes known as the "Tree of Sorrow" because the flowers lose color during the heat of day, this variety of Jasmine produces a rich succolent fragrance late in the night.  I am particularly in love with the fragrance that emanates during warm summer evenings.  If anyone has visited Hilton Head during the spring and summer and experienced the lush Jasmine, it will forever be imprinted in their minds.  If you find one of these plants at the nursery, just be sure you don't leave it behind. 
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By Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton
(Charter 1 Real Estate, Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC)
It's official!  The HGTV Green Home located at Tradition, Hilton Head is now open for tours.  This is the first green home sponosored by HGTV that some lucky family or individual  has a chance of winning!  What better way to move to the Lowcountry than with a free home and no mortgage.  Tours are available through May 18 from 9AM to 5PM weekdays, Saturdays from 10 to 5 and Sundays  from Noon to 5 PM.  Admission is $20 with proceeds going to the United Way of the Lowcountry.  Make sure you vote every day at the HGTV Website.  The lucky winner will be announced May 18th.  Visit Hilton Head Real Estate for information about Real Estate in the Hilton Head, Bluffton and Hardeeville Areas of South Carolina.
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By Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton
(Charter 1 Real Estate, Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC)
Some days, it just seems like we can't get even a shred of good news but today I have good news if you're considering a move to the South Carolina Lowcountry area of Hilton Head and Bluffton.  The March-April 2008 issue of Where to Retire  includes a feature article entitled "Tax Heavens and Hells."  which lists the best and worst areas for taxes after retirement age.  I am very pleased to note that South Carolina is now the # 1 tax-friendly state for retirees!  What made this report so significant is that the research included ALL TAXES, income, state and local.  Here is what Where to Retire had to say:  "South Carolina has come on strong as a retirement destination, with a moderate climate and coastal, mountain and lake destinations.  It gives generous tax exemptions to those age 65 a...
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By Jennie Moore
(Hilton Head Area Properties, LLC)
Are you Going to Carolina in Your Mind?  James Taylor dreams about "Carolina On My Mind", but you can make it more than a dream!  Have you ever visited Hilton Head Island, SC, on the East Coast and enjoyed the "laid-back" lifestyle that we have in the "Lowcountry"?  If not, then you have certainly missed some of life's most wonderful moments!  Our East Coast is clean and safe, our beaches have beautiful white hard packed sand for walking, our massive Oak trees are draped with moss that dances when the semi-tropical breezes tickle them, our shrimp trawlers glide quietly out to the Atlantic Ocean in search for a great catch, and guests and Islanders sit on porches and watch some of the most life changing sunsets you have ever seen!  Hilton Head is convenient to I-95 and situated between B...
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By Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton
(Charter 1 Real Estate, Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC)
Certainly, you know that Hilton Head is known for it's beautiful homes, tranquil beaches and golf courses everywhere.  But did you know we apparently now have a little SQUIRREL PROBLEM?   Yes, that is true!  According to a recent article in our local newspaper, The Island Packet, we have a burgeoning problem.  Now being politically correct as well as environmentally conscious, we sure can't shoot the pesky critters so the powers to be are now considering a program that would put birth control in the food that squirrels feast on.  This study was done at Clemson University and looks to be very promising as well as humane.  But never fear, the next time you visit Hilton Head, rest assurred, we'll have plenty of squirrels to amuse you during your whole vacation.  And folks, just for the rec...
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By Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton
(Charter 1 Real Estate, Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC)
I have to admit that I'm totally intrigued by the idea of a quilt festival.  Just imagine having the time in one's schedule to enjoy such an exacting and time consuming hobby.  This year's Quilt Festival will take place this Friday and Saturday from 10-5 at St. Andrew's By The Sea United Methodist Churst, 20 Pope Ave. (south end of the island.)  Tickets for admission are only $5 for adults and children 12 or younger are free.  The purpose of the quilt festival is to encourage the art of quilting and recognize the art.  I was fortunate to see some of the quilts that will be exhibited this year and what an array of beauty!  Remember to take your camera too!
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By Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton
(Charter 1 Real Estate, Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC)
Gather your comfortable walking shoes and join the 23rd Annual Architects Selected Preview of Homes to be held March 29, 2008.  This year's offering will showcase 5 fabulous homes located in Sea Pines, Hilton Head Plantation, Collecton River Plantation and Belfair. Each home has been designed by a local architect and further enhanced with decorator touches.  Tickets can be purchased at the following locations:  Ticket price is $30  Proceeds are used to provide scholarships to area students seeking education in construction and architectural studies.  PYRAMIDS ON MAIN STREET  843) 689-6367 THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WELCOME CENTER  1.800.523.3373info@hiltonheadisland.org A RARE FIND AT VILLAGE OF WEXFORD 843-686-6606 NELLS IN HARBOUR TOWN THE SCOTTISH MILL SHOPS ON US 278 IN BLUFFTON. FOR M...
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By Willy Fanning, Taking real estate to the next level!
(The Alliance Group Realty)
Greetings from beautiful Hilton Head Island! Things are really heating up here on this sub tropical barrier Island. Try driving around with all the Spring Breakers, tourists and folks just getting outside, riding bikes, golfing, walking and beach goers. There is a celebration of Spring happening!On a personal note we have 2 Spring Breakers at our home with another due to arrive tomorrow and an entire herd on Sunday. My empty nest is and will be compromised and my wallet has been thinned. There is a lot of energy happening when the kids come back. Those who have been there know what I'm talking about. Those with younger children haven't a clue and those who haven't had kids, well.. I guess could care less!Tomorrow, Friday is the annual St. Patrick's day parade in Savannah. It is being he...
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