It is late at night already, so this first post is just a quick "Hi" to announce that I have begun this new blog and am very excited about it.I look forward to sharing my thoughts about real estate in this neck of the woods.G'Nite for now. See you soon.Andre'   06/12/2007

Hilton Head IslandHilton Head Island has over 14 miles of beachfront and is child-friendly indeed, with shallow waters, gentle waves, and sand dollar-dotted shores. Watch the water for a while and you'll likely see frolicking dolphins swimming and playing; you can even see the smiling mammals up close by chartering a dolphin cruise. With Harbour Town or South Beach as your base, you can arrange cruises and water sports in the shadow of the island's iconic red-and-white-striped lighthouse or along side of the infamous "Salty Dog Cafe" (as the saying goes if your not the lead dog, the scenery never changes), or if you prefer tee off on the most famous of Hilton Head's 25 golf courses-a great place to get the kids started on the sport!  Hilton Head Island also has bike trails all over the ... 06/12/2007

Park Lane Suites - New Hotel Condo on Hilton Head SCContact us to learn more about the investment opportunity in this Hotel Condo! Owns like a condo - rents like a hotelThis beautiful hotel property offers service and quality that will make you feel truly special. The talented staff of team players are ready to cater to your needs. Service and Amenities at the Park Lane Hotel & Suites:Free High Speed Internet Complimentary Hot Breakfast Buffet Complimentary evening Social Hour - Monday - Thursday Free Newspaper - Monday - Friday Outdoor Pool with Whirlpool Exercise Room Lighted Tennis Courts Playground Bike Rentals Valet Laundry Service Self Service Laundry Service This property has recently gone thru a major rennovation and units are now avaliable for sale.  Contact us to learn more ab... 06/05/2007

Whew--it's Memorial Day Weekend already---time for families to arrive for their annual trek to Hilton Head Island.  For those of you looking for some unusual activities during your vacation, I'm listing below some great ideas.  The Art Cafe  (843) 785-5525 --Located at Coligny Plaza.  This is the perfect place to create pottery that can be hand painted.  Enviro Tours of Hilton Head     www.h2osportsonline.com Dafuskie Island Excursions     www.outsidehiltonhead.com C-Katx Watersportz   www.hhjetskis.com Dolphin Discoveries     www.dolphindiscoverieshiltonhead.com H2O Parasailing     www.h2osportsonline.com Lowcountry Nature Tours    www.lowcountrynaturetours.com Spirit of Harbourtown Cruises   vagabondcruise.com Carolina Morning Fishing Charters    www.carolinamorningcharters@gmail.com ... 05/26/2007

This weekend marks the beginning of the summer season on Hilton Head Island with tourists flocking to the island.  Since I get asked the proverbial "Where's the best place to eat?" question, I decided to list some of my favorites.  So here goes--------- Alexander's Restaurant in Palmetto Dunes   www.alexandersrestaurant.com Aqua Grill and Lounge at Forest Beach    www.aquagrilleandlounge.com Black Marlin Bayside Grill at Palmetto Bay Marina    www.blackmarlinbaysidegrill.com Frankie Bones Restaurant at Main Street Village    www.frankiebonesrestaurant.com Marleys Island Grille   www.marleysislandgrille.com Old Oyster Factory at Marshland Road   www.oldoysterfactory.com Red Fish at Palmetto Bay Road    www.redfishofhiltonhead.com British Open Pub at the Village at Wexford Frosty Dog Cafe... 05/26/2007

On May 9th, there was an article in The Island Packet that says "Rates on Coast May Fall". It was written by Seanna Adcox, and references legislation that received "key approval in the house" on May 8th. The new Insurance Director, Scott Richardson, is formerly from Hilton Head Island. This article has not been posted yet online, but I will keep an eye out for the article link.I will also be sure to keep you posted as more good news arrives regarding coastal home insurance issues... 05/15/2007

This lovely home has just been listed in Victoria Square, a gated commnity located at the north end of Hilton Head Island, convenient to all ameneties.  Built in 2003, this home has many upgrades including a superb cook's kitchen with upgraded stainless appliances, crown mouldings and wainscoting, lots of storage plus the much desired 4 bedroom configuration on the island at a great price point of $449,000.  Visit my website, www.dianebell. for additional information on this listing and others both on and off island. 05/13/2007

Interesting Stuff! What is a 1031 Tax-Deferred Exchange? In a nutshell, it's a way for owners of investment real estate to sell their property and buy other like kind property without paying the Capital Gains tax. These transactions are known as deferred exchanges, or 1031 exchanges, and allow the investor to continue their investment in another property without losing investment equity to taxes. CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING: ● You may have some non-income producing real estate investments, such as raw land, which are not giving you any cash flow. You could exchange this for property that is income producing, such as a duplex or a rental home. Not only could you start realizing a cash flow, but you can also get income tax deductions such as depreciation, which you did not have with your raw l... 05/12/2007

Beautiful Hilton Head Island, South Carolina                  05/12/2007

ANCHORAGE VILLAS Hilton Head Island's Best Kept Secret ~ Shelter Cove Harbour ~  Interested in a unique Harbourside community on Hilton Head Island with primary, secondary, or investment opportunities? Anchorage is located at 3 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, within easy walking distance to the marina, shops and restaurants. Other nearby conveniences include a shopping mall (the only indoor mall on the island), grocery store and art center all of which can be accessed without entering the main highway. Owners also have access to all the amenities of Palmetto Dunes Resort. A free shuttle service, the Dunes Buggy, is available to any location within Shelter Cove and Palmetto Dunes from April 1 until after Labor Day including the beach, which can also be easily acces... 05/12/2007

Back by popular demand, Big Band Exctement returns this month to Hilton Head Island.  The Stardust Orchestra, presented by the Hilton Head Lions Club, will perform at Hilton Head High School's Visual Performing Arts Center on Thursday, May 24th @ 7 PM.  For those of you who love the sounds of big bands from years past, you'll be able to enjoy the music of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington plus many others.   Surely this evening will be a memorable event! Tickets can be purchased for $20 and are available at various retail establishments on the island.  For information, please call 843-681-7680. Proceeds from this worthy event will benefit Camp Leo, various community scholarships, community eyeglass and hearing programs and the South Carolina Lions Eye Research Fou... 05/09/2007

Hilton Head Island's first short film festival will take place May 11, 12 and 13 at the acclaimed Coligny Theatre, located in the heart of downtown Hilton Head.  For those of you who may be visiting Hilton Head at this time, you may want to take a second look and join movie lovers for the festival.  All types of movies will be featured including short films, documentaries, inspirational, commercials and music videos.  These movies have been produced by local, international and students film makers.  Attendees will have the oportunity to vote for their favorites as well as hear a panel of judges discuss the winners. For information, call 843-686-3575 or visit the website:  www.colignytheatre.com Located at:  1 North Forest Beach at Coligny Centre. 05/06/2007

Every Monday 4:00-4:50:  FREE GOLF EXHIBITION AND CLASS---Askl questions and volunteer for a free golf lesson.  Every Monday from 5-7PM:  BEAT THE PROS AND ON-COURSE PLAYING LESSON:  On course golf instruction from Lindsey Letzig, Doug Weaver and staff.  Cost is Free!!! Wednesday or Saturday 8:30-11:30am---LADIES ONLY GOLF CLASSES.  Three-hour weekly class includes all the basics and time on the course.  Priced at $99.00 May-September:  GIRLS ONLY JUNIOR GOLF CLASSES AND CAMPS--6-18 year old girls with instruction from Lindsey. For information about any of these events call:  843-785-1138   05/05/2007

  May 5, Kentucky Derby Event Party--Heroes on Horseback will host the Kentucky Derby Party at Rose Dhu Creek Equestrian Center from 4:30-7:30pm.   This will be the annual Spring fundraiser and will feature auctions, a Fancy Hat Contest for the women, a Dapper Dan contest for the gentlemen, mint juleps and much more.  Information is available by calling:  843-671-3851 May 5-27:  Bravo Event---This show opens in May and winners will be announced during ths month.  Held at the Walter Greer Gallery of the ARts Center, for more information call 843-671-3498 or visit http://www.hhal.org/.   May 17---Palmetto Quilt Guild---Guests are welcome at this affair to be held at Palmetto Hall.  There is a $5 admission fee.  Call 843-363-5749 for information. May 19---Mark Halpin Memorial Golf Tourname... 05/05/2007

After closing over $1,200,000 in the month of April, Neste Realty Group has already closed on a home in Hilton Head Plantation and went under contract on a 3 bedroom home in Woodbridge.  All signs show a strong turnaround in the market and we are looking for a possitive summer season.   Are you interested in buying or selling in Hilton Head Island, Bluffton or Daufuskie Island Call us today at 1.800.717.9876 or visit us on the web at www.HiltonHeadRealEstateS.com 05/03/2007

  Good Cajun food is soon coming to the island.  The Coastal Cajun Festival, sponsored by the Hilton Head Home Builders Association will take place on June 2 from 11AM to 5PM at Shelter Cove Community Park. With admission set at only $5.00, everyone will be able to come and enjoy food that will be prepared by Fat Jacks and the Bluffton Oyster Companyh.  Imagine being able to taste alligator, red beans and rice, jambalaya and etoufee plus there will be classic offerings like hamburgers and hot dogs for the kids.  What a bargain! For those folks that are adventurous, a crawfish eating contest will be one of the main events of the day. This event is annually held for charitable purposes with all proceeds goingi to suport the Hilton Head Builders Education Foundation and Community Projects.... 05/02/2007

Come one, come all to enjoy the upcoming events for May at the Coastal Arts Center of Hilton Head Island.  Featured will be 3 incredible offerings:   1.  April 25-May 27, 2007--The much beloved Fiddler on the Roof, winner of 9 Tony Awards, will debut.  2.  Family Fiesta Latina will take place on Sunday, May 6 and will feature the arts, music and dance of many Latin American countries...sure to be enjoyable for all. 3.  Folk music writer Tom Paxton will appear on Monday, May 21.  Tom started his career in the Greenwich Village area on the 60's and has wowed audiences with his humor about social injustices for many years.  Tickets can be purchased by calling 843-842-ARTS or visit the website, www.artshhi.com, Email:  boxoffice@artshhi.com       05/01/2007

May 1st is a very important date for turtles on Hilton Head Island as it marks the beginning of the nesting season for the exotic Loggerhead Turtle.  Each and every year, the female Loggerheads return to the exact same beach to lay their eggs.  The mating season is a busy one for the females as they nest up to 4 times a year and lay a total of 450-600 eggs.  Imagine what odds these little hatchlings face. Loggerheads are officially identifed as a threatened species so it is a federal offense to disturb the nest.  Hilton Head's Loggerheads are protected by a "Lights Out for Turtles" ordinance that lasts from May 1 through October 31.  This is vital to the success of the nesting period because the Loggerheads are extremely sensitive to light and will follow the light (which takes them awa... 04/30/2007

A splendid hardcoat stucco home located in Oyster Reef Crossing, one of the newest neighborhoods in Hilton Head Plantation. Tons of space including a first floor master bedroom and separate office plus great room, DR and gourmet cook's kitchen. Upstairs there are 3 additional bedrooms....Situated on a pastoral and picturesque lagoon....one of the nicest views in this neighborhood. Owners have lavished care....Home shows like new...If you need space, this is definitely the home for you. 04/26/2007

The third annual Yacht Hop fundraiser to benefit Hospice of the Lowcountry will take place May 6 in famous Harbour Town, Sea Pines.  Attendees will have the unusual opportunity of visiting 20 of the most elegant vessels in the Southeast, while enjoying extravagant food prepared by an abundance of the area's finest chefs and restaurants.  This year, over 1000 people are expected to attend.  The Yacht Hop is a fabulous way to support the local Hospice which is an independent, community based non-profit organization that has served Beaufort and Jasper counties for 24 years.  All funds donated are used to provide services to help adults and children with end stage illnesses. Cost to attend is $100 for each person.   The event will be held from 6PM to 10PM at the Harbourtown Yacht Basin.  Ti... 04/17/2007