Realtor Diane Bell's Hilton Head and Bluffton Real Estate Blog

Much awaited good news has arrived regarding property taxes in Beaufort Country, SC.  Tax bills were mailed this week to owners and for those residents who occupy their property as South Carolina residents, the news was welcome! 

Property owners savings represent the portion of proeprty taxes for OWNER-OCCUPIED homes that used to be earmarked for school operations.  Last year, those taxes were eliminated by the state legislature.  To offset that change, the balance is to be made up with a 1 % tax increase in the state sales tax. 

Savings to property owners were quite aggressive.  For instance, the owner of a $300,000 OWNER-OCCUPIED home will now pay between 30-40% less on their property tax bill.  That savings alone, can amount to approximately $600-$700 yearly savings. 

Unfortunately, this savings did not spill over to owners of second homes, rental and investment properties.  Those propertie make up over 60% of the county's tax base.  Only OWNER-OCCUPIED homes get the big break. 

It will be interesting to see how all of this plays out in the future.  Certainly, with the 1% sales tax increase, the tax burden has been shifted towards the millions of folks who visit Hilton Head and Bluffton yearly. 

While I welcome the change, it would have been nice to see some gesture towards NON-OWNER OCCUPIED homes, perhaps on a lesser basis.

For those of you who may be considering a move to the Lowcountry area of Hilton Head and Bluffton, I hope this news will peak your interest. 

With the current real estate market conditions, it's a buyer's market.  You couldn't find a better time to purchase real estate in the Lowcountry. 

When you select me as your Realtor, I will aggressively work to find you a fabulous value in our local real estate market. 

For information, please visit my website:  www.dianebell.com  or I can always be reached by email through my website or by cell phone:  843-247-5419.

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 intangibles tax in South Carolina.
• You don't pay any taxes in this state for a property that you sell in another state.
• The registration fee for passenger vehicles is $24 per year.
• The sales tax for purchase of vehicles is limited to $300.
• South Carolina does not collect an estate or gift tax.

If you're considering a move to Hilton Head or Bluffton, I would appreciate the opportunity to work with you as your Realtor.  Please visit my website:  www.dianebell.com  I can be contacted anytime by cell phone @ 843-247-5419.  Now is the time to purchase real estate in Hilton Head and Bluffton.  Prices and inventory are excellent.  Let's talk!

Everytime I visit the delightful historic community of Bluffton, SC, I just seem to find another fabulous restaurant has appeared.  Exploring the nooks and crannies of old town Bluffton can make for a culinary experience you'll be sure to remember.  Listed below are some of my favorites---I hope you'll take an opportunity the next time you visit Bluffton to stop by and experience the delights.

Pepper's Porch, 1255 May River Road,  843-757-2295, a delightful rustic Lowcountry themed restaurant with outdoor dining.

Sippin Cow Cafe, 1230 May River Road, 843-757-5051--open for breakfast and lunch each day. 

Cafe Rebecca's, 35 Lawton St., 843-706-9693.  This restaurant is totally new to me and hidden away from the maddening crowds.  Great for cappuccino, coffee, fresh baked pastries--how can one go wrong?

Bluffton Oyster Company, 63 Wharf St., 843-757-4010---Yes, what else will you experience here but the best oysters in the Lowcountry?

Myrtle's Restaurant, 32 Bruin Road, 843-757-6300--Imagine dining in a former Post Office?  A Fabulous place for an elegant evening out complete with music and entertainment. 

Bluffton Coffee House, 27 Mellinchamp Dr. Road, 843-815-8205--Just the place for a steaming cup of java each morning.

Visit http://www.oldtownbluffton.com/  to experience more about this special community. 

For more information about real estate in Hilton Head and Bluffton, visit my website:  http://www.dianebell.com/

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, Quest for Speed and Style, automotive artist exhibition, food, music and children's events.  General admission on event day is $30 per person.

With this event regarded as one of the premier automotive events in the nation, I sure hope you'll visit if you're in the general Hilton Head/Bluffton, SC area. 

Two day passes for the event are priced at $40.  Bring the kids--they get in free if under 12 years of age or 50% discount from 12-18.   To order tickets online visit:  http://www.hhiconcoursstore.com/servlet/StoreFront

Photo depicts the 2007 honored Marque  Cadillac/La Salle

Spectacular Island West 4 Bedroom Resale--Recently listed @ 415,000 and it's a beauty! 

Lovingly cared for Rosewood model home with many upgrades. Beautiful golf-view lot with trees, patio,and fence. 4 bedrooms 2.5 baths,with corian countertops, upgraded appliances, hardwood and tile floors, alarm system, large master bedroom, and is a smart home/e-home.

For more information about this Bluffton, SC home, contact:  Diane Bell@ www.dianebell.com  or Jennifer Bell@ www.askjenniferbell.com

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