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

RECENTLY INDIGO RUN PLANTATION WAS NAMED ONE OF THE 10 BEST BABY BOOMER COMMUNITIES IN THE NATION.  It also has the honor of being the youngest community on the island .

A recent  look at the year to date Real Estate Statistics indicates a community with a healthy List Price to Closed Price (95.58%) and  an average days on the market of only 93 days.  There were 44 new listings with 10 pendings and 10 closed during this period.  With almost $8 Million in closed sales, you can see buyers have a strong interest for Indigo Run Properties. 

For more information about Indigo Run, please visit my website where you can search all MLS listings for the Hilton Head and Bluffton Real Estate market. 

Statistical info derived from Hilton Head MLS.

 I'm happy to once again report that Hilton Head Plantation is like the little engine that keeps chugging along.  Upon a quick review of the April statistics,  we can see a healthy list price/sale price ration of  96.24%--not bad when you put this into perspective in light of the national news you hear each day.  As with every commodity,  if IT'S PRICED CORRECTLY, IT WILL SELL.  

We're seeing 15 pending sales and 10 closed for the month of April plus an average closed price of $530,350.  I might also add that for the first time in many years, buyers can actually find homes in the Plantation  that are priced in the $300,000 plus range.  This represents an extraordinary buying opportunity for anyone who has been hoping to purchase in the Plantation. 

Please check my website for complete information about Hilton Head and Bluffton, SC.  At my website, you can search every single listing in our local MLS. 

This morning I was sitting with a bunch of agents  discussing the state of the market.  An interesting topic came up..........namely, the best way to present a LOW OFFER to a seller. 

One of the agents, a very successful and respected Realtor  in our community, espressed that he often calls and gives them the details of the offer, then sets an appointment with them for the next morning.  His logic is that by the time the next morning comes, they have had ample time to spit and sputter, get calmed down and can then discuss the offer with less emotion than perhaps the evening before. 

This method is totally contrary to how I've presented contracts in the past but it got me to thinking about the Psychological aspect of his method.  I wondered if it might be useful with the personalities of certain types of sellers?

Any thoughts on this and how do you handle your offers?

This past year has been one of total education for me when it comes to health insurance and being a Realtor.  I've found so many problems that most likely affect ALL of us in this industry and it's a darn shame that we are experiencing it. 

For instance, it is literally impossible for us to get into a good group plan.  I would make a bet that most Active Rainers are in an individual plan or perhaps covered by a spouse's plan.  The issue of being in an individual plan is simply that if you have any kind of illness or pre existing condition, it is virtually impossible to ever change policies.  Simply put, my insurance premiums will just continue to escalate and I'm held hostage because no individual plan will cover me right now.  Right now, I'm paying over $500 for my policy (only mine, not my husband's.) and have a $3750 deductible.  Aint' that grand!  After the deductible is met, the insurance pays 100% and they have been stellar with that part.  I can't complain but those deductibles are killing all of us who have one .  If you do the math, I am paying almost $10K a year for insurance coverage!

So, how to get into a group plan?   Well, I know of no way other than to change jobs .  Oh yes, I could work 3 days at Starbucks for their insurance (which I know of some that do) but I see no benefit in taking 3 days a week off from my "real" profession to make coffee. 

Our candidates talk a good talk and promise to do something about this morass but that will take years and meanwhile, Realtors are one of those groups that are really suffering.  I know that NAR and SCAR have been working on options but truthfully, I've checked these in the past and never found a plan that in my humble opinion was worth considering. 

Rainers, how are you faring with your insurance woes?

I was happy to hear the Farmer's Market would be back in full swing at the Shelter Cove Mall again this year.  It was first introduced 2 years ago and slowly has grown to be a real asset to our community.  Everyone can savor the freshest fruits and vegetables that are picked early in the day and brought to the center hall of the mall for sale. 

I visited recently and found some of my very favorite fruits, namely blueberries and strawberries.  When they are in season here locally, there is nothing better!   We should soon be seeing sweet corn and local tomatoes also. 

Visit the mall each Thursday from 8AM to 1PM for the freshest array of local produce.  The Farmer's Market will conclude on August 28th. 

Yes, it's Jasmine time in the Lowcountry and how utterly sweet it is.  This is my favorite time of the year with near perfect weather, a semi quiet island and the rich succulent fragrance from blooming Jasmine plants and vines.  My only regret is that I am unable to include the beautiful frangrance in this blog today. 

I really believe that everyone should have at least 1 Jasmine plant as part of their landscaping.  I got started a few years ago, courtesy of a dear neighbor who brought me a plant and positioned it around a giant pine tree in my backyard here in Hilton Head Plantation.   Now that once little vine is vigorously climbing higher everyday and has a profusion of exquisite white flowers. Since then, I've added a few more including a rare Night Blooming Jasmine that I expect to flower this year.   I especially love the fragrance that permeates the balmy evenings that we enjoy here in Hilton Head so much at this time of the year.  So, if you haven't had the luxury of experiencing this fabulous plant, go ahead and just indulge your senses. You won't regret it!

FOR REAL ESTATE INFORMATION ABOUT THE HILTON HEAD AND BLUFFTON, SC AREA, PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE. 

Good Morning Rainers,

I have a fabulous assistant and consider myself darn lucky to have her in my camp.  The company I work for provides licensed assistants to their agents.  It's sort of been one of those perks that sets our company apart from others in our area.   And we're the top company in the Hilton Head and Bluffton market so something must be right about this concept!

I am so grateful to Edie, my assistant.  She is impeccable with her followup and keeps me on the straight and narrow (trust me, this is a challenge due to my aversion to paper work.)  She organizes all of my files, follows my listings and closings and coordinates everything with closing attorneys.  Is this NIRVANA? 

Just wondering whether your companies have any perks like this?  I always said that agents were meant to list and sell real estate because that is what they do best!  Do you agree???

  I'm sure there were more than a few merchants and residents who were delighted to find that Southern Living Magazine just named Hilton Head Island, SC as the top vacation destination for Memorial Day. 

And why wouldn't they?  With the myriad of activities the island offers, it is the perfect family destination not only at Memorial Day but year-round.  Incidentally, our island HAS become a year-round vacation spot with a strong fall and spring golf season as well as family vacation time during the summer. 

Some of the places mentioned in the article as must do's included the Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, Redfish Restaurant, an excellent seafood restaurant with the most extensive wine collection I've ever seen.  I always said I wish I had their wine collection in my IRA!   And of course, the magazine mentioned the Mall at Shelter Cove, which is currently a little light on tenants but if things go well with Town Council, you may see a new 12 screen movie theater built there---sure to make everyone happy who enjoys modern new theaters. 

And just in case you may need a Realtor, don't miss my favorite Realtor  (well I'm a little biased) Diane Bell of Charter I Real Estate and Marketing. I'm always happy to impart my love of the island and the fabulous laid back peaceful lifestyle I've come to appreciate and love.  I moved to the island about 9 years ago from a snowy cold northern state and have never looked back.  I truly love living in Hilton Head! 

WHAT A FABULOUS PRICE ON THIS DRASTICALLY REDUCED HOMESITE IN HILTON HEAD PLANTATION! 

PRICED FOR QUICK SALE  AT $399,500

Owners (SCREA) have continued to reprice this homesite to reflect current market conditions.  Located directly across from Port Royal Sound, the views are magnificient to say the least.  This homesite represents probably the best value in all of Hilton Head Plantation! 

SHRIMP MICHAELS has become one of my favorite restauants here on Hilton Head Island.  It may very well be one of the best kept secrets due to the fact that it is "not" located in the tourist area of the island.  Located in Port Royal Plaza at the north end of the island, we discovered this restaurant quite by accident when we were looking for a quiet place to dine last Friday evening.  What a  pleasant surprise for us! 

Talk about a new twist on a tomato mozzarella salad--Michael, the owner, produces a delectable salad with a blueberry reduction that truly tempts the taste buds.  After the salad, we both enjoyed a dozen each of the steamed and spiced shrimp served with cocktail and horseradish sauce.  There sure wasn't anything wrong with the fried green tomatoes either!   The only other thing needed was an ice cold beer to top off the succulent seafood flavors.

I'll probably kick myself for letting the secret out about this restaurant but on the other hand, the owner as well as island residents and visitors deserve the opportunity to experience the fun ambience and excellent food.  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!