I                                                         This lovely homesite, located in Hilton Head Plantation has recently been listed with me.  For more information, please visit my website:  www.dianebell.com.  If you're contemplating building a new home, you'll appreciate the beauty as well as magnificient views from this site.....Close to the Dolphin Head Recreational area of Hilton Head Plantation.    Call Diane Bell@ 843-247-5419  for additional details.   Offered at $319.500 09/20/2007

  As a followup to my last blog about Hilton Head Airpot, one of our best community assets. I read an interesting article recenly in the Island Packet,  www.islandpacket.com/  that related some positive stats for this past summer.  The airport experiences the businest summer since 1999 this year with over 93,000 passengers flying into and out of our airpot between April and August, our peak summer season.  Last yearthe amount of flyers stood at 61,643.  This years increase is due to Delta Air Lines providing non stop service from Atlanta.  Originally Delta had planned this to be a summer season only option but they now have decided to provide year round service, a decision that is sure to please many who commute from Atlanta to the island. Delta joined US Airways which was the only comm... 09/19/2007

As more and more folks contemplate a move to our beautiful island of Hilton Head, many are considering a total career change.  I think you'll find that with a little bit of ingenuity, Hlton Head can be a excellent community in which to forge ahead with a new endeavor. But first you'll need to know a bit about the intricacies of legally getting started:  First check out the official website for Hilton Head:  http://www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov/   Initially,  you'll need to submit a business license application to the license clerk at the Town Business License Division of Town Hall, 1 Town Center Court.  The telephone number is 843-341-4600 Hilton Head will require each business owner to pay an annual license fee. For assistance with meeting additional requirements, an excellent resource is... 09/17/2007

Perhaps an interesting rainy day adventure during a visit to the Hilton Head and Bluffton area would be to stop by some of our area museums and catch a glimpse of Lowcountry history.  Listed below are our most popular museums that reflect the natural and cultural history of the region.      Heyward House Museum Center, 70 Boundary Street in Bluffton.  This is a historic house museum with docent led tours, free map for walking tours.  Built around 1841, the Heyward House Museum Center has been completely resotored.  843-757-6293      Coastal Discovery Museum, 100 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island.  The kids will enjoy a visit here to learn about Natural History walks, bird watching, sea turtle information, alligator talks, native islander history exhibits and specially scheduled... 08/31/2007

                                       LIST OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS LOCATED IN HILTON HEAD AND BLUFFTON, SC   Cross Episcopal School, grades 1-8,   405 Buckwalter Parkway, Bluffton    843-757-5683 Heritage Academy, grades 6-12,  11 New Orleans Rd., Hilton Head    843-842-8500 Hilton Head Christian Academy,  grades K-12, 55 Gardner Dr., Hilton Head  843-681-2878 Hilton Head Preparatory School, grades 1-12, 7 Fox Grape Rd., Hilton Head  843-671-2286 Sea Pines Montessori, grades 1-6,  9 Fox Grape Road, Hilton Head,  843-785-2534 St. Francis Catholic School, grades pre K-8, 45 Beach City Rd., Hilton Head 843-681-6501 St. Gregory Catholic School, grades K-5, 333 Fording Island Rd., Bluffton  843-815-9988 08/31/2007

    Bluffton Elementary School, pre K-5    843-708-8500 Michael C. Riley Elementary School, Bluffton  preK-5        843-706-8300 Okatie Elementary School    preK-5      843-322-7700 Daufuskie Island School    preK-8    843-842-1251 Bluffton High School, grades 9-12   843-706-8700 H.E. McCracken Middle School, grades 6-8   843-706-8800 Hilton Head Early Childhood Center, PreK-Kindergarten     843-689-0400 Hilton Head International Baccaleureate School,   1-5   843-342-4100 Hilton Head School for the Creative Arts,   1-5        843-342-4380 Hilton Head Island Middle School   6-8      843-689-4500 Hilton Head High School   9-13    843-706-8300       08/31/2007

One of my favorite stories recently appeared in our local newspaper, the Island Packet.  Seems like we have a wonderous  Golden Retriever 9 month old puppy named Keiki Makai (short for "child by the ocean" in Hawaiian language.  This very special little guy is the latest addition to the Hilton Head Island Sea Turtle Protection Project.  Yes, this is one of those heart-warming stories that we all love!   According to the Island Packet, Makai has made 10 early morning trips and successfully  found every nest within a foot of their actual location---a huge help to the Island volunteers who work tirelessly to protect the turtle nests each year.  And best of all, Makai gets a little treat every time he scores.  The photo below is reprinted from the Island Packet website.  Next time you are o... 08/20/2007

JUST LISTED IN BEAUTIFUL VICTORIA SQUARE--A GORGEOUS CHARLESTON THEMED HOME IN A VERY SPECIAL GATED COMMUNITY! Owners have priced this home to sell quickly---priced at $390,000, it represents one of the best values in the community of Victoria Square, a mid-island community of just 99 homes.  This home has awesome long lagoon views of the Victoria Square lake located at the center of the community.      08/15/2007

  I thought it would be timely to provide an update on mortgage issues here in the Lowcountry areas of Hilton Head and Bluffton, SC.  The good news is that the tightening caused by the sub-prime mortgage loans really hasn't been felt that much in our local Hilton Head and Bluffton real estate market.  Typically, our buyers in this area are rock solid and not affected by the current mortage issues.  At this time mortgage money is plentiful for creditworthy buyers.  What "HAS " changed is the likelihood of anyone getting a high risk loan. As an example, that would include anyone with poor credit history, low credit scores or lack of employment.  For now, those days are gone as lenders are tightening standards (and for good cause.)   Most mortgages that are processed here are not the type ... 08/10/2007

Okay, I know you've visited Hilton Head many times and always enjoy the well-known beaches such as Forest Beach, Burke's Beach and Folly Field.  But did you know there were so many off the beaten path areas that offer a pristine view of our laid back lifestyle on Hilton Head Island?   This informative map of Hilton Head Island Parks and Beaches has been reprinted from the official town of Hilton Head website:    http://www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov/ .  I hope you find it helpful when planning your next visit to our wonderful island paradise.  For all of your real estate needs, please visit my website:  www.dianebell.com.   08/06/2007

The Hilton Head Airport  provides all of the ameneties of a big city airport coupled with the luxury of a small town experience.  Located near the north end of the island, the airport is serviced by two carriers that provide conveniently scheduled service to Atlanta and Charlotte, NC by way of Delta Connection  and US Airways Express.  Currently the two airlines offer 11 flights daily from the airport.   Airline and passenger information is available by calling 1-800-943-5436.  Visit the airport website at:  www.hiltonheadairport.com   Directions to the terminal: From the mainland or north end of the island, take 278E (William Hilton Parkway - Business) to Beach City Road.  Turn left.  The airport entrance is 1 mile down Beach City Road on the right. From the south end of the island, ta... 08/03/2007

Hilton Head has become a year round resort community.  In years past, we found that folks primarily visited the island during summer season.  But with a profusion of golf and tennis enthusiasts who have visited during the off-season, we find they have unlocked one of the best kept secrets about the island---Hilton Head is a fabulous place to visit year round.  I thought you would enjoy this little chart that gives an idea of what happens all year round here on the island.   Weather averages for Hilton Head Island, South Carolina MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear Average high °F 60 63 69 76 82 87 90 88 85 78 70 63 76 Average low °F 38 40 47 54 62 69 72 71 68 57 48 41 56 Precipitation inch 3.7 3.5 3.9 3.0 3.6 5.3 6.2 8.9 5.1 2.6 2.4 3.2 51.4 Average high °C 15 17 20 24 28 30 3... 07/27/2007

Interested in purchasing real estate on Hilton Head Island?  My regular monthly update on Hilton Head Plantation, long regarded as a premier first-class community on Hilton Head Island, shows some remarkable strength and vibrancy in the Plantation housing market.  While some communities,  both on and off-island,  have turned in a somewhat lackluster showing this year, Hilton Head Plantation continues to march along like the "little engine that could."  Remember that story?  At this time, there have been 133 sales in the Plantation since January 1, 2007.  Currently there are 32 pending sales that range in price from $299,900 to $1,375,000.  As of July 28, 2007, there are 164 active listings that range in price from $367,000 to $2,895,000. Using statistics from the Hilton Head MLS, the av... 07/27/2007

   No trip to the beautiful island of Hilton Head would be complete without a visit to our many and varied beaches.  Whether you visit the island for golf, fishing, relaxing , or even a search for real estate, take some special time and meander our vast beaches.  Listed below are our most popular public areas: ALDER BEACH ACCESS-----22 metered  parking spaces BURKES BEACH----13 metered spaces (a popular tourist beach) COLIGNY BEACH PARK--free parking and of course, a long-time favorite for everyone DRIESSEN BEACH PARK---207 parking spaces---great to go here on a busy summer day FISH HAUL PARK--free parking--located at the north end of the island and one of the newest parks FOLLY FIELD-51 parking spaces--an island local favorite ISLANDER BEACH--annual beach pass only parking.            ... 07/26/2007

Welcome to the Lancaster Resort Sales real estate blog. Please bookmark our website (HiltonHeadHomes.com) and stop by any time to check for news on real estate, current events, insurance, town council, schools, changes in the market and weather related stories.The owner's and agents here at Lancaster Resort Sales strive to stay on top of all the outside influences that affect real estate and the quality of life here on Hilton Head, in Bluffton and in Beaufort County. As specialists in the sales of homes, villas and lots in the Hilton Head and Bluffton area, it is important for us to be on top of all prices, trends and happenings. As many of you already know, the island is only twelve miles long but the real estate opportunities are endless. Whether you are searching for a beachside vill... 06/28/2007

  Nestled among 4000 acres, Hilton Head Plantation  offers world class resort luxury lifestyle and boasts the honor of being one of the most reasonably priced Plantations on the island.  Located at the heel of the famous shoe that many folks see when they view a map of Hilton Head, the Plantation has nearly every imaginable amenity such as tennis, bike and walking paths, 4 golf clubs, country club living, marinas, restaurants and public parks.  Homes in Hilton Head Plantation   range in price from the mid $300,000 price range to over $2,000,000 while villas can be purchased from the high $200,000 to well in excess of $1,000,000.  At the present time, home sites are more available than in many years and can be found with golf, lagoon, wooded as well as some with views of Port Royal Sound... 06/24/2007

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY NOWAt a recent symposium presented by several local Realtors, emphasis was placed on the reasons consumers should invest in real estate on Hilton Head Island right now, rather than putting it off until some time in the future.  Here are the facts: The right time.  Selection is great--you can pick and choose from several homes.   That may not be the case when inventories of existing homes, which are higher than they have been in decades, decrease as sales pick up.  Right now there are 6,144 listings with the Multiple Listing Service, as compared with 2,348 in April of 2005.  If you were buying real estate at that time, you might have to take less than you wanted and "make do."  Now you can have just exactly what you want.  What are you waiting for? The right reason.  T... 06/15/2007

Three major insurance carriers have decided to enter South Carolinas coastal market. Ann Roberson of the S.C. Department of Insurance says that these companies are entering our market because they see a national interest in our coastal area.The three companies are Ironshore Insurance Ltd, Universal North America and Companion Property & Casualty Group. They will be working to provide insurance coverage to homeowners, commercial business owners and condominium coverage.Scott Richardson, South Carolina's insurance director was instrumental in getting these companies to our area. Over time, we could see our rates drop with increased competition. 06/15/2007

06/15/2007

David Cutcliffe, quarterbacks coach for the Tennessee Volunteers recently spoke at the Crowne Plaza Resort on Hilton Head Island. About 625 people packed a ballroom Wednesday for the Week of Champions sports banquet.The Week of Champions is a Christian-based non-profit organization that provides free sports clinics to children in the Lowcountry every summer. The clinics boast nearly 70 professional and collegiate athletes and are on hand to help instruct children at this year's clinics.Cutcliffe apologized for not being able to stick around after the banquet as he was headed back to Knoxville because the Vols are in the midst of training camp. 06/14/2007