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

Did you ever get brain drain or just come up so creatively deficient that frustration set in?  Well, my reason for asking for some help here is because my daughter-in-law and I have decided to join forces and form a team.  But so far, despite some pretty serious attempts, we still haven't come up with a name for the team. 

 We would like to emphasize our technological abilities in the name somehow.  So Active Rainers, perhaps you would be willing to share some of your creative genius?  And just to say thank you, if we select one of your suggestions, we'll send you a special gift from Hilton Head Island!  So, let those creative juices start flowing------

It appears that good news is on the horizon for teachers in South Carolina.  A new $20 million initiative  program was recently announced with the purpose of offering low interest home loans to South Carolina teachers.  As a former teacher myself, this is music to my ears because I truly know the struggles that teachers have in securing homes in the Lowcountry areas of Bluffton and Hilton Head as well as other areas in the state.

Teachers with valid South Carolina teacher certifications, who are currently residing and teaching in the state of have a contract to begin teaching will be eligible for the program. 

In addition to the lower interest rates available, they can also take advantage of two down payment assistance loans, one of which is forgivable if the teacher resides in the home for 5 years. 

CONTACT SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSING AT 1-800-432-5007 OR VISIT THE AUTHORITY'S WEBSITE FOR A LIST OF PARTICIPATING LENDERS. 

VISIT MY WEBSITE for complete Hilton Head and Bluffton, South Carolina Real Estate.

I recently had the opportunity to contact a listing Realtor about his own personal residence.  An out of town buyer has been focusing on properties well over $1M and routinely requests more photos so he can zero in on what properties he wants to view when he visits Hilton Head in the coming weeks. 

I asked this Realtor if he could email me some additional photos as the only photos in the listing were of the kitchen, dining room, living room and master bedroom plus some outdoor photos.   Now this property is listed at $1.9 Million.  Incidentally, I found it interesting that no reference of  the Realtor's  ownership was identified in the listing even though it is a SC state law that we have to display this fact in all listings and advertising. 

So what answer did I get?  It went like this:  "Those photos are the only ones we have at this time (he lives in the property).  We tired to get more photos but these were all we got.  The rooms are large.  We have an appraisal for $2.2 M from 2 years ago.  Good Luck.  Let me know if you want to view the property." 

Now quite simply, I can go and take photos of his property (with his permission, of course.)  But wouldn't you think that someone who is actively trying to sell a personal residence would be a wee bit more cooperative????? 

Okay, so we're not in the seller's market that existed several years ago so this type of response has me totally shaking my head.  Do some people just NOT GET IT?  What ever happened to cooperation??? 

I just had a little WOO HOO moment when I realized I reached 100,000 points on Active Rain this morning.  I can't actually remember how long ago I joined AR but I'm sure happy I found this place and the fabulous members who so freely share their knowledge. 

Most of my blog postings are at Localism (which has been an excellent source of buyers and ssellers for me.)  Once in awhile, I post on the members board here but I avidly read the blogs posted each day. 

To all of my fellow Active Rainers, A MILLION THANKS for making this  place so special!!!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday I decided it was time to think about completing my required 8 hours of Continuing Education, that I need to undertake  every two years.  After some deliberation, I decided this year to take advantage of the online courses that are available through SCAR, South Carolina Association of Realtors. 

After completing the course work, I decided it was the easiest continuing ed I ever took. The subject matter was clear, concise and well presented.    What a breeze and from the convenience of my front porch! 

This set me to wondering whether online continuing education is basically available in all states and whether my fellow Active Rain members enjoy online education.  Please do tell---------------

IT'S ALMOST TIME FOR HERITAGE WEEK!  This is probably the busiest week of the year for Hilton Head Island with golfing enthusiasts expected to visit  the island for this year's 40th Anniversary Event to be held from April 14 through 20 at Harbour Town Golf Links in Sea Pines .  Bet you didn't know that Heritage is South Carolina's ONLY PGA tournament! 

This year the field of golfers includes John Daly, Boo Weekly, Ernie Els, Zach Johnson, Justin Leonard, Stewart Cink, Brandt Snedeker, Jim Furyk, Scott Verplant, Chris DeMarco, Cliff Kresge and Vaughn Taylor as well as other lesser known golfers who will be competing for a part of the purse of $5.5 million.  Alas, no, Tiger will not be present.  He never plays in this tournament and word is that he likes longer courses (and of course, that makes sense considering the length of Tiger's play.) 

For more information:  Visit Verizon Heritage.  Badges can be purchased at the Hilton Head Chamber , Golf Outfitters at Fresh Market Shoppes and The Village Golf Shop in Sheridan Park (Bluffton.)

Visit Hilton Head Real Estate for complete information about Hilton Head and Bluffton, SC Real Estate Opportunities.