Greetings from Hilton Head Island! As the calendar turns to February, the Daytona 500, baseball's Spring Trainig, can Spring be far behind?       FINANCIAL NEWS- As you have heard the Federal Reserve has lowered the Prime twice recently in an effort to head off what Economists are predicting- an impending Recession. While the definition of a recession is 2 quarters of negative growth (and we haven't had one yet). It is an election year (in case you haven't heard!) and those vying for their parties nomination want us to be happy and know many will vote with their wallets. This all is happening prior to the $150B+ Stimulus Package approved by Congress.  Mortgages fell to a low of 5.178% last week and are now in the 5.5% range causing a rush to refinance. Predictions are for rates to hover... 02/16/2008

  Now you might wonder "just why" I would share what I consider one of the best kept secrets in the Hilton Head area ?  Well here's why!  The Litter Box, operated solely by volunteers, benefits our local no-kill Hilton Head Humane Association.  So, why WOULDN'T I share my favorite shop with you?  Located at 46 Wild Horse Road, just off of 278,  the location is convenient if you are a visitor to the island. For hours of operation, just phone 843-683-0545 and one of the friendly volunteers will help you.  There is a plethora of goodies including furniture, kinck knacks, clothing, shoes, books, collectibles--you name it and I bet you'll find it there.  With merchandise arriving daily, it certainly will be a good idea to stop by for a visit next time you're in the area. While I'm not aware ... 02/15/2008

  Hats off and Kudos to a fabulous organization that works tirelessly in the Hilton Head area.  Our local Hilton Head Humane Association, in my mind, is probably one of the best organized groups nationally.  I particularly applaud their "NO KILL" policy that has been so successful due to the outstanding devotion of both employees and volunteers. Located at the north end ot he island at 10 Humane Way, just off Spanish Wells Road, their phone number is: 843-681-8686.  If you're visiting the island, why not stop by and see if you could spend a few minutes caring for one of the waiting to be adopted pets?  I know they welcome having folks come by and walk the dogs among other activities.  The website for the Humane Association is:  http://www.hhhumane.org/ And while I'm at it, why don't I t... 02/14/2008

    Since 2002, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra has hosted the International Piano Competition, bringing contestants from 18-30 competing for over $33,000 in prizes and concerts.  This annual competition is sponsored by Steinway and Sons and offers a magnificient opportunity for you to hear some of the world's finest talent.  For more information, visit:  http://www.hhipc.org/  Complete details are available at the website including hours, event schedule and ticket information.  For all of your real estate needs in the Hilton Head/Bluffton area, please contact me via my website:  http://www.dianebell.com/     02/10/2008

We've been experiencing some glorious spring weather the past few days---Time to get the bikes out and explore the natural wonders of Hilton Head Island.   If you're preparing for a visit here, I hope you'll find this bike path map of interest.  What a great opportunity to meander along the less visited areas of our island.  For additional information about Hilton Head Real Estate opportunities, please visit my website:  www.dianebell.com   02/10/2008

A Fabulous New Construction Ready for your Finishing Touches.  This architectural masterpiece is located in the small intimate community of Broad Pointe within the confines of Indigo Run Plantation, surely one of the best kept secrets for peaceful and private Island Living.  Broad Pointe Beauty- well appointed home under construction in the best neighborhood! 4400 sq.ft. home on a lagoon lot. 5 bedrooms + 5 1/2 baths or 3 bedrooms + 2 huge bonus rooms on second floor. 3 1/2 car garage! Screened porch. Treyed and coffered celings. Huge kitchen, built in's, hardwood floors plus much more! Beautiful finishes will make this home a perfect '10'. Will compare to homes for $1,500,000! Owner SCREA. Go to www.17wilerscreekway.com for more information! 02/09/2008

Year to date results and observations by Andy Twisdale,Charter 1 North Realty  Through the end of December 2007, the On-Island real estate market was seeing some mixed results. For the 13 different market segments, or gated communities, six are behind in closed units compared to 2006 and 7 are ahead of 2006 in closed units. The most active area percentage wise is Shipyard. By number of closed units, the most active has been Hilton Head Plantation with 185 units or 6% ahead of 2006. Sea Pines was the next most active with 154 units closed or 4% ahead of 2006.  Palmetto Dunes has closed 48% less units in 2007 than in2006. Five areas have seen average prices increase and 8 market areas have experienced a decline in average prices.  HILTON HEAD ISLANDAREATotal ActivePendTotal Sold% Total Sa... 01/06/2008

A 'plantation' community defines a neighborhood behind security gates.  While many HHI residents and guests choose to live inside gated restrictions, other islanders find an affordable, just-as-fulfilling lifestyle outside of them.  Golfing greens, tennis courts, family-fun recreation, shopping centers, and dozens of restaurants lie within easy reach of any Hilton Head resident, within or without security gates.    The Island is divided into three separate off-plantation areas:  Mid-Island, North-End, and South-End.  Folly Field, Bradley Beach, Driessen's Beach, Burke's Beach, and Singleton Beach, and Forest Beach (two sections, North and South) feature many of the island's attractions including public beaches, shopping plazas, fabulous local restaurants, and popular nightlife.  North a... 12/08/2007

The three-mile Forest Beach area, comprised of the North and South residential areas meeting at Coligny Circle, is one of Hilton Head's oldest neighborhoods; some homes were built as early as the 1950s.  The attraction bringing such a consistent crowd for over 50 years is the close proximity of beach access:  each lot in the Forest Beach area is within 600 yards of the Atlantic.  While most of Hilton Head Island's plantation communities are gated, this area is free for all to come and go as they please.  Dozens of shops, boutiques, and restaurants-not to mention plenty of parking spaces-draw thousands of tourists and locals alike, each year.  Not only does Forest Beach have an easy-to-find location (follow the Cross Island Parkway straight down until it ends at the Coligny Beach traffic... 12/08/2007

Turn onto Folly Field Road beside the new Carrabba's Italian Grill on William Hilton Parkway, between Palmetto Dunes Plantation and Port Royal Plantation, and you will pass flower-named streets that could belong to any middle-class town in America.  This is Folly Field, another of Hilton Head's oldest neighborhoods.    The first sign of renovation is in the lack of pavement on those first few streets you pass on the left-hand side; in preparation for new, smoother roadways, these streets are temporarily dirt roads.  A few seconds more, and you pass the soon-to-be elite neighborhood of Sandcastles by the Sea, located on a massive spread of land formerly used as a driving range.  Villa complexes and more single-family houses line Folly Field Road all the way to the beach, where you begin ... 12/08/2007

Combine a world-class vacation resort with private residences, and Hilton Head Island's Palmetto Dunes emerges.  Developed in 1967, this plantation borders the Atlantic Ocean and is located directly across from Shelter Cove Harbour. Palmetto Dunes contains two privately gated neighborhoods, the Leamington community and the Mariner's section, as well as luxury resorts by Marriott, Hilton, and Disney. Here you will also find the island's deepest yacht basin at Shelter Cove, three miles of beaches, an 11-mile lagoon system, approximately six miles of bike paths, three golf courses, and plenty of tennis courts.  The Palmetto Dunes community has even been recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the Top Eleven Family Resorts!    As a resort-residential combination community, Palmetto Dunes al... 12/08/2007

In 1956, just five short years after the introduction of electricity onto Hilton Head Island, Charles Fraser purchased land on the southwestern tip in order to develop the community now known as Sea Pines Resort.  The first of Hilton Head's plantation communities, Sea Pines covers over 5,000 acres of thriving natural environment and offers over five miles of gorgeous public-accessible beaches.  This picturesque, sprawling community, bordering the Atlantic Ocean on the east and Calibogue Sound on the west, is ideal for vacationers and residents alike.  Villas, Condos, Homes, and available Lots for building that dreamhouse abound in this massive complex, just waiting for the perfect family to enjoy the many amenities offered.    The Harbour Town village and marina was fashioned after smal... 12/07/2007

Luxury Real Estate - Hilton Head Island is one of the nicest luxury destinations on the Atlantic Ocean, now's your chance to own a 5 story Mini-Resort.  Building is situated on the corner of Hwy 278 and Folly Field Road and has a Carabba's Italian Restaurant and Family Fun Park in the same complex.  Asking Price   $6,700,000.00For more options click here: http://www.SandCastlePlaza.com Property Offered By Neste Realty Group - Hilton Head Island Luxury Real Estate Agents 12/07/2007

Since I specialize in vacation rental property, the number one question that my buyer clients ask me is "Where is the best location to buy rental property?"  I have a strong background in vacation rentals on Hilton Head, being one of the start up partners in the number one vacation web portal on Hilton Head - Hilton Head Rentals.com.  Since we had over 100 rental properties in Sea Pines, Forest Beach, Shipyard, Palmetto Dunes, Singleton Beach, Folly Field and outside of Port Royal Plantation,  I have a good idea of which locations rent better and which areas you may want to avoid. Here is my list of Hilton Head Island's Top Short Term Rental Locations:1.   Sea Pines Plantation - Hilton Head's largest plantation with the most history.  Has a number of different beach acces areas, three g... 12/07/2007

What a surprise to open the Delta's December In Flight Magazine and find a 42 page spread on Hilton Head and Daufuskie Island. We could not be happier with the Worldwide exposure..  If you missed it click on the link below and Happy Reading http://delta-sky.com/2007_12/portrait/hilton_head_island/index.php  12/06/2007

Updated 11/21/08 DVC Resale Hilton Head Resort      1-866-544-2919                 ResalesDVC.com          1-407-877-2919    DVC Resale for Animal Kingdom Lodge, Saratoga Springs Resort, Beach Club Villas, Boardwalk Villas,   OKW Resort, Villas of Wilderness Lodge, Hilton Head DVC Resort and Vero Beach DVC Resort  DVC Hilton Head Resort        Virtual Tour       2008 M/T's are approx. $5.16 per point ID # RESORT NAME POINTS USE YEAR DESCRIPTION OF POINTS AVAILABLE LISTING PRICE 90s Hilton Head 60 March 59 banked 2007 points and 60 points for 2008 and 60 points for 2009. $72 per point. $4,320 58 Hilton Head 125 Sept 125 points for 2008 and 125 points for 2009. $66 per point.   $8,250 15A Hilton Head 200 March 71 points for 2008 and 200 points for 2009 and 200 points for 2010. $68 per poi... 10/31/2007

DVC Resales Toll Free: 1-866-544-2919  www.ResalesDVC.com Email or call us TODAY. Do not make a mistake with your DVC Resale purchaseHilton Head DVC Resort is an extremely popular vacationing destination.  Buy Hilton Head DVC Resort on the resale market to save money. Here is a virtual tour offered directly from the Disney Vacation Club official site. The ocean, the oaks, the marshes, the beaches, the golfing and just relaxing on a southern style veranda enjoying the South Carolina low country breezes, does it really get any better than that. Hilton Head DVC Resort is a fantastic alternative to staying at Disney World in a DVC Resort. When you just can't stand in another theme park line, use your DVC Resale points at the beautiful Hilton Head Island Disney Vacation Club Resort.Jaki Apet... 10/31/2007

South Carolina enjoys the reputation as having one of the lowest per capita tax rates in the country.  That translates to good news for anyone considering relocating or retiring to the Lowcountry areas of Hilton Head or Bluffton, SC.  Added to the fact that our real estate prices are at an all-time attractive price point, let's examine below some important tax implications: South Carolina is the 4th lowest state in ranking for tax burden in the nation. Autos, trucks, boats, airplanes and other similar types are subject to a Personal Property Tax South Carolina's individual income tax rates starts at 2.5 percent of "taxable" income. South Carolina allows a $50,000 Homestead exemption for residents 65 of age or disabled. South Carolina does not tax Social Security Benefits There is no int... 10/23/2007

CWhat an incredible weekend to be a visitor in Hilton Head!  The 6th annual Concours d'Elegance will once again be held at the Coastal Discovery Musuem area at Honey Horn Plantation from November 1-4, 2007 The event kicks off at 7:30AM on November 1 with the Innaugural Hilton Head Concours Invitational Golf Tournament held at Berkeley Hall. For the ladies, a special event will take place on Friday, November 2---The Southern Belle Fashion and Luncheon at Sea Pines Country Club.  The Hilton Head Sports and Classic Car Auction will take place on Saturday, November 3.  Admission fee is $50 which includes seating for 2.  Sunday, November 4 will feature the Hilton Head Concours d'Elegance and Motoring Festival, featuring the official Concours d'Elegance competition and awards presentation, Qu... 10/16/2007

The Paddocks at Jarvis Creek is an absolutely beautiful community located at the northern end of Hilton Head Island.  Situated on an exquisite pastoral parcel of land that borders marshes and waterways.  The Paddocks consists of 73 homesites with a selection of model homes available or owners can choose their own  architect to build a custom home.  This lovely homesite is currently listed at $375,000.  This is an equestrian community and one of the few located on Hilton Head island. For more information contact:  Diane Bell @ www.dianebell.com or Jennifer Bell @ www.askjenniferbell.com     10/09/2007