What a beautiful day it is in Hilton Head Plantation--do I sound like Mr. Rogers? (IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.)    Even though it's a bit chilly here today, we are experiencing brillant sunshine,  as these photos will show.  Our spring flowers and azaleas are just beginning to burst into bloom.  Hope these photos awaken your senses and for those of you who are at the end of a dreary winter, ENJOY!   I WISH EVERYONE AN EARLY SPRING. 03/10/2008

The winds of change are upon us here on Hilton Head!Today's gale force winds are blowing whitecaps on the inland waters of Skull Creek, Calibogue Sound and Port Royal Sound. Not a great day for those taking the Daufuskie Ferry.On a personal note, today is the next day of the rest of my life (as the saying goes!). Permit me to explain, last night was the final game of the year for the Armstrong Atlantic State University Pirates and our eldest, Jimmy a 5th year Senior. An 88-86 loss in the Peach Belt Conference playoffs has ended his career and an 11 year journey that began in middle school basketball. Hoops-Daddy must move on to new diversions.  It is a somewhat bittersweet time of reflection for the Mrs. and I but it's time for the change. The good news is James will graduate in less th... 03/08/2008

WOW!   I was shocked and pleased to read in today's Island Packet newspaper that our local Hilton Head Humane Association saved over 824 animals in 2007.  Can you even realize what an undertaking this is for the dedicated volunteers?  Not to say the expense involved in maintaining and caring for these animals.  Considering that our local humane association is and has always been a "NO KILL" group, those figures are pretty impressive.  Here's Brunswick , one of the many residents waiting for a loving home--who could resist? Photo:  courtersy of Hilton Head Humane Association. Visit Hilton Head Real Estate for information about Hilton Head and Bluffton Real Estate opportunities. 03/06/2008

Call me a frustrated amateur photographer but in my old age, I've decided to embrace my photography hobby. Everyday as I am driving on the island, I witness  magnificient photo opportunities, only to realize I don't have my camera with me.  You would think I'd change my ways, since I live in a photographer's paradise.  Oh well, hope springs eternal! Seeing a local photography contest will be held in Hilton Head  prompted me to post here so everyone interested can enter and possibly win some cash!  The Lowcountry Scenes Photography Contest is being held as part of The HIlton Head Island Seafood and Arts Festival on April 26th at Shelter Cove Community Park.  The best part of this contest is that winners photographs will be put into a silent auction to benefit charity plus the winners wil... 03/06/2008

Greetings from Shipyard! The good news in Shipyard is Spring has sprung! We see the signs of Spring everywhere with azaleas blooming, alligators sunning themselves and birds happily chirping.  Vacationers are jogging, riding bikes, playing golf and taking advantage of the 60 & 70 degree weather with walks on the beach. We have 225 college tennis teams who have come, or are coming, to the Island over the next few weeks for the annual Spring Break Tennis. Teams can be seen across the Island competing.  This weekend Winefest will be here. Put on by the Hospitality Association, it is one of the better attended and fun filled get together's on Hilton Head.  Of course, Easter is just a two weeks away and don't forget that the Heritage is next month! It's a great time of year and should only g... 03/05/2008

Almost everyone know that Savannah hosts one of the largest St. Patrick's Day Parades in the entire nation.  But if you're visiting the Hilton Head area, why not enjoy the ambience of our local parade that will take place this year on March 16th? Just head on over to Pope Avenue but be sure you're there before 3:30 PM when the festivities begin.  Our family plus some out of town guests,  attended the parade last year.  Although none of us are of Irish heritage, we had a splendid day!  Hope to see you there this year too! FOR HILTON HEAD OR BLUFFTON  REAL ESTATE INFORMATION, VISIT MY WEBSITE, www.dianebell.com  CELL PHONE:  843-247-5419 EMAIL:  diane.bell2@gmail.com      03/04/2008

So you like to drink wine, eat wings, party "Irish" style. Well March madness on Hilton Head Island begins with the winefest kickoff Sat. March 8th. March 22nd is Wingfest where several of the local restaurants compete for best wings. March 15th is St.Paddy's Day parade. So if you need to get away and have some fun come on down to Hilton Head island and check it out. With the weather this past weekend in the 70's It can only get better.See ya at the beach! 03/02/2008

PUBLIC FACILITIES COMMITTEE MEETINGWhat:  Brainstorming session for new recycling programs or initiatives on Hilton Head IslandWhen/Where:  4 p.m. Wednesday, March 12th council chambers - Town Hall I am interested to hear the ideas suggested by the community.  All of these efforts help keep Hilton Head Island the "little piece of heaven" it has always been!  Hope to see you there! 03/02/2008

 I have to admit I've never met a yard sale that I didn't enjoy!  Living for many years in the north, yard sales were very very popular but here on Hilton Head Island, we just don't see that many sales primarily due to restrictions of the island Plantations. The premier event of the year is the annual "World's Largest Yard Sale" sponsored by The Island Packet (www.islandpacket)  to be held this year on March 29th in the parking lot of the Hilton Head High School parking lot.  The event starts at 9AM but you better plan on getting there earlier if you want to snag a prime parking spot.  Trust me, I learned the hard way last year!  The best thing?  Admission is free!  03/01/2008

For the past 23 years, Hilton Head Island has hosted the Island Wine Festival Tasting and Auction.  This year's event will take place on March 8 at Shelter Cove Community Park.  While reading about this event, I was surprised to see that it is the largest outdoor tented wine testing on the entire East Coast.  Quite an accomplishment to say the least!   There will be fabulous food offerings from various local restaurants as well as over 1000 featured wines.  If you go, there is a $40 admission fee that includes all of your wine tastings.  FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION:  843-686-4944,     800-424-3387 www.hiltonheadhospitalityassociation.com IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HILTON HEAD REAL ESTATE INFORMATION,  PLEASE CONTACT DIANE BELL @ 843-247-5419  (CELL)  OR www.dianebell.com    Email:  diane.... 03/01/2008

Typically, I shy away from blogging about topics that tend to be controversial.  Well, today I may just be a tad contoversial and why not!  For the past 6 months or so, there has been a somewhat contentious debate here in Hilton Head about the desire of Home Depot to establish a store ON our island.  For those folks who have visited Hilton Head, you know that Home Depot and Hilton Head would most likely be like oil and water. They just don't mix very well.   Of course, our town fathers must follow the laws and if Home Depot were able to conform, then they would prevail.  Believe me, there was plenty of discourse on the subject as well as numerous articles written in our local newspaper, The Island Packet.   I was never in favor of a Home Depot being built simply because we have one on t... 03/01/2008

While showing houses to two out of town clients this week on Hilton Head Island I waited in line!  This happened at six different houses and several of the houses I attempted to show were under contract.  All of these houses had something in common . . . they were priced correctly! Neither the agent nor the seller sets the price, the buyers do.  All of the sudden they seem to be buying again!  With one day left in February, 70 homes went under contract this month.  In January, 24 homes went under contract on the island (according to Hilton Head MLS).Interested in more information and/or statistics on Hilton Head Island real estate, please feel free to contact me! Jennifer BellCharter I Realty & Marketing843-422-4740www.askjenniferbell.comjenniferbell1@att.net email 02/28/2008

There's good news about Hilton Head Plantation Real Estate.   Activity  for the first two months of 2008 indicates a nice uptick in  pending and closed sales  with more buyers jumping into the market due to low interest rates and realistic seller expectations.  For seller's there is only one word that dictates whether you sell your home----PRICE! PRICE! PRICE!  If you're a potential buyer and have interest in Hilton Head Plantation,  I highly suggest you consider starting the home search NOW.  With low interest rates (and maybe headed lower very soon) and an ample supply of inventory, there has never been a better opportunity.  I'm very upbeat about Hilton Head Plantation--it's like the little engine that keeps on chugging along!     HILTON HEAD PLANTATION REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY  AVERAGE ... 02/28/2008

It's such a pretty day here in Hilton Head Plantation----a little cold with a brisk wind but still pleasant.  While I was out and around in the Plantation, I snapped some photos that I thought I would share.  For the Golfers, this season signals some of the finest golfing weather you will experience!   I guess you could consider this a little temptation for our northern friends and visitors!             HILTON HEAD PLANTATION REAL ESTATE, HILTON HEAD, SOUTH CAROLINA     www.dianebell.com                                                             02/27/2008

Recently, I had a client ask me about retirement living in the Lowcountry of South Carolina and realized that I was woefully ignorant of what resources we have in our community (and there are quite a few!)  With a large baby boomer population projected to be moving to the Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC area in the next few years,  this may be an important resource for many.    So I went to work and compiled the list below for your convenience.  Hope you find it helpful.  TIDEPOINT   http://www.hyattclassic.com/  843-341-7200 CYPRESS OF HILTON HEAD   http://www.cypress.com/  843-689-7000 SEABROOK OF HILTON HEAD  http://www.theseabrook.org/  (843) 842-3747  HAWTHORNE INN  http://www.elderlivingsource.com/  843) 342-6565 INDIGO PINES RETIREMENT  http://www.indigopines.com/  843) 342-3228  CAROL... 02/26/2008

Seems like I was a 2 year resident of Hilton Head Plantation before I had the unique delight of discovering the Whooping Crane Conservancy, a pristine 127 acre parcel that meanders though the Plantation.  For sure, it is a photographer's delight as well as a haven for anyone wishing to just get away from the stresses of everyday life.  The plethora of wildlife as well as native species of vegetation will enthrall your senses as you discover this very special area. Just a few years ago, the residents of Hilton Head Plantation conducted a fund raiser that contributed to a lovely updating of the area.  Hmm--it reminds me that I need to take a little visit here soon with camera in hand especially since spring is upon us.  Please visit my website:  http://www.dianebell.com/  for detailed in... 02/24/2008

Although I am seeing a marked improvement in our local Hilton Head and Bluffton, SC Real Estate sales since the beginning of the year, it is interesting to note that I have ALSO seen a considerable increase in the number of short sales, foreclosures, pre-foreclosure sales as well as VERY MOTIVATED SELLERS .  Interestingly, South Carolina has one of the lowest foreclosoure rates in the nation but there are some intriguing opportunities out there that I would welcome sharing with you.  This is great news for any buyers who have been on the sidelines waiting for the bottom of the market.  Technically, you'll never know the "bottom" until it has passed.  It appears we are right on the cusp of that currently! For buyers seeking foreclosures, a few words of caution!  Do not automatically assu... 02/24/2008

I just finished watching the Clinton/Obama debate and thought how important it is for everyone to exercise their voting rights this year!  Whether you support a Republican or a Democrat candidate, your vote matters!  Further, not only is every election important, but I personally feel the upcoming election is vitally important for every voice to be heard.  Perhaps you've just relocated to the Hilton Head, SC area and aren't registered yet?  Just refer to the information below for complete details.  Contact the Town of Hilton Head @ 843-341-4625 for registration details.  To register to vote you must: Be a United States citizen. Be 18 years of age or will become 18 before the next election. Be a permanent resident of the state of South Carolina. Be a permanent resident of the county and... 02/21/2008

As a local Hilton Head Island Realtor, I have seen the ups and downs of the market over the last 30 years.  Right now is the absolute best time to purchase either investment property to be used as tax write offs, or to purchase property to use as a second home or vacation getaway.Interest rates are at an all time low, and though it may be harder now to qualify for certain programs, if you have great credit and are looking to find the perfect place to settle down either to play golf, take walks on the beach, or pay a few rounds of tennis, Hilton Head is the place for you.Rated as one of the top resort destinations in the world, Hilton Head Island has a wide variety of great restaurants, resort gated communities, like Sea Pines Resort which hosts the Heritage Classic PGA event annually.If... 02/21/2008

  Every year, the beloved Mockingbirds arrive in South Carolina, some more welcomed than others.  It seems that with their desire to serenade us with beautiful music, we have some who just can't shut up at night.  Bet you don't know why some sing more than others!  Well, here's the reason----it's the BACHELORS who keep us up at night.  Now I've heard of some people who just can't tolerate that constant singing at night but to me, it is a sweet lyric that lulls me into a peaceful sleep.  And if all else fails, there are some great earplugs at the drugstore.  I even heard of someone who had custom earplugs made for this reason!  FOR REAL ESTATE INFORMATION IN THE HILTON HEAD, BLUFFTON, SC AREA, PLEASE CONTACT ME THROUGH MY WEBSITE:  www.dianebell.com  or my cell phone:  843-247-5419  I WE... 02/17/2008