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

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 LIST PRICE:  $596,275

TOTAL CLOSED SALES FOR JANUARY/FEBRUARY  $3,431,250

AVERAGE DAYS ON THE MARKET:  93 

11 PENDING SALES

29 NEW RESIDENTIAL LISTINGS

4 NEW VILLA LISTINGS

1 HOMESITE LISTING

AVERAGE LIST TO SALE RATIO:  94.14%

(information derived from the Hilton Head MLS)

Interested in Hilton Head Plantation? Please give me a call--I'll be happy to tell you all about my favorite place to live!                                  

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                                                            

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 

CAROLINA HOUSE OF HILTON HEAD  843) 342-5599 

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT REAL ESTATE IN THE HILTON HEAD, BLUFFTON, SC AREA, PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE:  www.dianebell.com .  I can also  be reached by cell @ 843-247-5419  or email:  diane.bell2@gmail.com 

Spring in the Lowcountry!  I have daffodils on my mind today as we are experiencing some much needed rain here in the Hilton Head, Bluffton, South Carolina Lowcountry. 

A sure sign that winter days are past is the annual tradition of picking daffodils at Calhoun Plantation located along Pickney Colony Road in Bluffton.  Years ago, (many years ago), Calhoun Plantation was a working daffodil farm but ceased operations in the 1970's.  Despite that, the daffodils continued to flourish and are just as beautiful today in their natural form. 

The present owners open the fields to the public for approximately 3 weeks each year.  Many families make it an annual tradition to visit the daffodils and bring some home.  If you're visiting the area during this time, you may want to take some time to stop by!

For hours of operation, you can email the owner , Mary Connors @ mconnor@hargray.com 

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 information about Hilton Head Plantation.  I can be reached through my cell phone @ 843-247-5419  or email me @ diane.bell2@gmail.com    I welcome your inquires about the Hilton Head Plantation area, definitely one of our finest values on the island.

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 assume that a foreclosure is the "best" option.

Make sure you do your due diligence as far as gauging comparable sales.  You may find a better deal with a very motivated seller.  In order words, investigate  the entire market fully. 

Most foreclosures are sold in "as is" condition so this can be a huge factor in your COMFORT level with this type of purchase. 

Consider using a 'buyer's agent" to complete the sale.  As a buyer's agent, I will fully represent your interests at "no cost" to you. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING OUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE MARKET CONDITIONS, PLEASE CONTACT ME THROUGH MY WEBSITE:  http://www.dianebell.com/ , CELL PHONE @ 843-247-5419 OR EMAIL:  diane.bell2@gmail.com

AS YOUR TRUSTED AND PROVEN HILTON HEAD REALTOR, I WELCOME YOUR INQUIRIES ANYTIME.

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 voting precinct in which you wish to vote.
  
• Not be under a court order declaring you mentally incompetent.
  
• Not be confined in any public prison resulting from a conviction of a crime.
  
• Have never been convicted of a felony or offense against the election laws OR if previously convicted, have served the entire sentence, including probation and parole, or have received a pardon for the
• conviction.

Three Simple Words---"DON'T GO NANA, I heard these words softly spoken to me as I was delivering my precious little grandson at his home where he was greeted by a sitter that wasn't his regular.

Now you might ask WHY I chose to write a blog about this? Well, it was a total epiphany when I heard that little voice. You see Rainers, it's moments like this that really matter in our lives! You know how business calls our names sometimes many more hours than we should allow. But how many precious moments might we miss if we don't pay attention to those who matter most?

So what did I do when he said that? I took his hand and said "OKAY, Let's go make some lunch. Rainers, don't miss the special moments that reach out to you---they are way too infrequent in our lives. Embrace every moment--it TRULY will make a difference in your lives!

Good Morning Rainers,

I have to admit my dirty little secret-----I've never worked in a venue where  bank foreclosures were prevalent.  In fact, before relocating to Hilton Head many years ago, I worked in a steady eddy market that never had any huge highs or lows. 

Now, I'm starting to see a change on the horizon as far as the Hilton Head and Bluffton real estate market is concerned.  While we don't have tons of foreclosures as I see nationally,  I am starting to  see some opportunities that could be  translated into additional business for agents to pursue. 

I would appreciate hearing from agents here who are actively working with banks to list and market foreclosures, short sales, etc.  Would you be willing to share your methods and what has worked for you?    

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 WELCOME YOUR INQUIRIES AS WELL AS REFERRALS!