GET READY FOR THE 2018 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SEAFOOD FOOD FESTIVAL! When: February 19-February 25, 2018Hours: ALL DIFFERENT TIMESWhere: Throughout Hilton Head IslandWho: Everyone and AnyoneTickets: CLICK ON THE LINKContact Information: www.hiltonheadseafoodfestival.com The Lowcountry's Premier Food FestivalNo, it's not too early to look into this terrific festival that honors all things seafood! Actually, one of the favorite events, "Seafood, Champagne + Gullah Sunday Brunch" is already SOLD OUT! Each year, this event keeps getting bigger - and better - and 2018 is an ambitious schedule. It's Not Just the FoodBeginning on Monday, the festival kicks off with you being able to go along to catch your own seafood! You'll learn shrimping, crabbing, clamming and oystering right from our pristin... 01/25/2018

CHOICE on Hilton Head Island - Condo or Home? There isn't a day that goes by that someone asks me whether or not to buy a condo or a home. The initial search is within a certain price range and so what comes up on a search for property on Hilton Head Island in the $100,000 price range, is inevitably that of a condo.The first thing I explain is terminology - around here, we don't use the exact legal terms applicable to something - or anything - that is attached or whether or not you own the ground, or whether there is a cooperative (which we don't have here at all). In general, we call all attached product 'villas'. I'm guessing that is a genteel term that came about years and years ago but that's what we use.So what's a 'villa'? and what does it generally mean? It means that there will ... 01/24/2018

SPOTLIGHT on Port Royal Plantation, Hilton Head Island, SCWHERE IS PORT ROYAL PLANTATION ON HILTON HEAD ISLANDOur island is shaped like a foot and Port Royal Plantation is located right on the heel of that foot. I begin that way for two reasons, because in other areas of the country to locate a neighborhood or community, there are a myriad of streets, or intersections, or school districts and on Hilton Head Island, the easiest way to locate an area/community is to refer to the location on the 'foot'. The second reason is that nearly all of the individual 'plantations' on Hilton Head Island are gated and that means that you will need a Realtor® to gain access. In the case of Port Royal Plantation, this is especially true since this community has no commercial restaurants or shopping with... 01/20/2018

SPOTLIGHT: Affordable condos on Hilton Head Island, SCYes, there is such a thing on Hilton Head, and yes, they are at the beach on Hilton Head Island, and yes, there are pools and amenities.The most often requested property is one that is below $200,000 on Hilton Head Island.HILTON HEAD RESORT/FOUR SEASONS fills that bill. WHERE IS HILTON HEAD RESORT/FOUR SEASONS LOCATED ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND?Located basically mid-island, Hilton Head Resort/Four Seasons is reached directly off of William Hilton Parkway, alias Highway 278. Close to Shelter Cove, across the street from the marshes of Broad Creek, as well as close to the public beach of Folly Field Beach, HHResort is comprised of 4 buildings - originally representing Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall.WHAT ARE THE AMENITIES?HHR is gated with... 01/16/2018

Hilton Head Island 2017 Year in ReviewIt's been nearly 2 weeks since we ended 2017 and went leaping - after nearly being frozen in place for a week - into 2018. 2017 for Hilton Head Island and indeed for the area was a very good year! Sales were up, prices were stable, buyers were able to find both new and resale homes, and homes in nearly all the price points were able to go under contract relatively quickly.NEW LISTINGSFor December, 2016, there were 275 - for December, 2018 we had 327. The months' supply of inventory depends greatly on the price point; for example, in the $100,000 price range, the inventory is down 51% representing 2 months of inventory, $100,000-$225,000 down 24% for 2.8 months. For $225,000 to $375,000 down 15% representing 3.9 months. The upper tier market is even ... 01/13/2018

Visit the King of the Sea on Hilton Head Island, SCNo, not Charlie the Tuna, but instead the iconic Neptune sundial in Shelter Cove Harbor!Neptune is HUGE - and can't be missed. At 12 feet high, Neptune has been watching the Shelter Cove marina and serving as a perfect meeting place since 1983. Holding his signature trident, Neptune reigns in majesty on his circular base. When the trident shadow falls across the base, the numbers indicate the precise time.He was designed by the sculptor Wayne Edwards as a tribute to Neptune, the god of the sea - appropriate since the whole ambiance of Shelter Cove is geared towards the beauty of the water, the marsh, and the enjoyment of boating and all kinds of water sports.Neptune was cast in Princeton, New Jersey and then trucked all the way down to ... 01/08/2018

Football - and Flood Maps South Carolina StyleWhat in the world am I talking about? Well, one of the difficulties at the very beginning of talking about flood maps is the concept of elevations. So, what's that got to do with football? Most people seem to understand the yard lines on a football field so with that concept, the previous required elevation to have the lowest flood insurance rates on Hilton Head Island (and in Beaufort County, South Carolina) was 14' - basically nearly to the 5 yard line on the football field. NOW, with the new flood maps, that line of scrimmage is only required to be at the 3 yard line - or 9 feet. What's the big deal? Well, if you are indeed a football afficianado, you know that it's a pretty big difference between that 5 yard line and the 3. So, too is th... 01/01/2018

2017 Hilton Head Chili Cookoff FALL FESTIVAL KICKOFF   We know when it's supposed to be fall - though our temps this year are still in the high 80s - because the Hilton Head Island Kiwanis Club Chili Cook Off is scheduled!WHEN:SATURDAY: September 30, 2017 -This year it's from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM - this is VERY good for those of us that await the event since previous years it was shortened and if you didn't get there by noon and if you didn't race to your favorites (One Hot Mama's, the Hilton Head firefighters, and Smokehouse) you'd NEVER get a place in line and they'd run out.Here's hoping that neither of those things happen.WHERE: Shelter Cove Community ParkThis too is a bit of a change. Most frequently held at Honey Horn Plantation - this is a terrific venue for loads of reasons; beau... 09/28/2017

Easter 2017 - 5 things to do on  Hilton Head Island SC 1.    Attend a Church Service - many of our local churches on Hilton Head Island have beautiful services but at Easter, they really take it up a notch. Since we are an island of visitors at this time of year, everyone and anyone should feel welcome whether you have brought your best clothes or have a sundress or khakis. Such is the true nature of worshipping together.Sunrise Services are held throughout the island and are really beautiful. USE THIS LINK from an Island Packet article to find the one that would be the best for you!2.     Easter Egg Hunt - the most fun is to go to the Salty Dog Annual Easter Egg Hunt in Sea Pines at the South Beach Marina Village. From 10AM to noon, there will be the egg hunt, face painting, games, can... 04/13/2017

Fly Away to the 2017 Hilton Head Island WINGFEST Hilton Head Island, SC 2017 WINGFEST When: March 24 & 25, 2017Hours: Laser Light Show 3/24 from 5P to 9P and WINGFEST 3/25 from 11AM to 6PM Where: Shelter Cove Community ParkWho: Everyone and AnyoneENTRY Ticket: $7 entry fee per person (children 10 & under free)WING TICKETS: $1/TICKET and 1 TICKET = 1 WING (but I'll tell you the vendors are usually generous and you'll probably get more than one)Who to Contact: Island Rec Center 843-681-7273Contact Information: Island Rec Center Hilton Head's Finger Licking Good Festival!7000 pounds of wings!!!!!! I love them but holy cow that's a lot of wings. Whether you prefer the drummie portion, or the 'elbow' portion, the wingfest elevates messiness and finger lickin' good to a whole new level.It's N... 03/09/2017

Cooks 'N Books on Hilton Head Island SC March 5, 2017TOO MANY THINGS TO DO TOO LITTLE TIME!!!! should be the lament for anyone in the Hilton Head Island, SC or Bluffton, SC area in the next week! Cooks 'n Books Hilton Head Island 2017   When: Saturday, March 5, 2017Hours: 9:30A-11A Meet the Authors Champagne Brunch - limited to 150 people - $65pp11AM - 2PM - Tasting and Book Fair - all welcome - $30pp (or go for the full event for $75pp) AND you're invited to make a donation of $20Where: Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa - in Palmetto Dunes ResortWho: Everyone and AnyoneTickets & Contact Information: The Literacy Center and 843-815-6616 Hilton Head Celebration of Cooking AND LiteracyThis event is eagerly anticipated by those of us that read cook books like regular books, and cannot wait... 03/02/2017

Grapes to "RAIN" (i.e., REIGN) on Hilton Head Island SC March 2017 Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Fest 2017 Insider Tips! When: March 8-12, 2017Hours: VariesWhere: Throughout the IslandWho: 21 years and olderTickets: Depends on the event USE THIS LINK FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATIONWho to Contact: Tickets are being handled by Event Brite for the Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival Hilton Head Island's Premier Wine FestivalFor 32 years, Hilton Head Island has hosted the Wine & Food Festival. Through several iterations, levels of intensity, and locations, what is true is that it is a growing phenomenom and eagerly anticipated by locals and visitors alike. It has grown from the juried selections held in January at the Self Family Arts Center (now the Coastal Carolina Arts Center) with a public tasti... 03/02/2017

Road to Carnegie Hall starts on Hilton Head Island March 2017 Hilton Head International Piano Competition - 2017 When: March 6 - 11, 2017Hours: Monday - Thursday 3/6-3/9 6:00 PM - 9:00 PMWhere: Arts Center of Coastal CarolinaTickets: $12 daily - open seating COMPETITION FINALS with The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra are on March 11th - RESERVED SEATING ONLY Where: FINALS are held at First Presbyterian ChurchTicket prices: $35, $50, and $65 per person Who: Everyone and Anyone who loves the artistry and commitment of beautiful musicWho to Contact and to get Tickets: Event Organizers Hilton Head Island's Prestigious Piano Festival/CompetitionThe piano is basically the only instrument that can sound like half the instruments in the entire orchestra and the contestants at the Hilton Head Int... 03/02/2017

Hilton Head Island, SC - January 2017 MARKET UPDATESo, how's the market doing? A seller asks hopefully, since they want to be sure that their decision to sell is sound and they can get the top dollar; a buyer asks with trepidation since they want the best home for the lowest price. And my answer is---------------------------------drum roll------------------------ --------------------it's OK for both of you! Though the prices are not increasing to the degree that a seller probably wishes - our average equity is currently about 3-5%/year on average which is a  slow, steady, SUSTAINABLE PACE; and our sellers have gained back some of the value they lost (nearly 41% in some cases) during the recession. For our buyers, it's not a buyers' market but it's not a sellers' market either. Local len... 02/09/2017

Hilton Head Plantation Homes with Master on First FloorThe most commonly requested feature for a home on Hilton Head Island is having the Master Bedroom on the first floor. The next questions are relative to the year the home was built and then what is the square footage.The cost per square foot for this sampling of homes below is $203. The average days on the market for these homes is 117.The homes listed below all have MASTERS ON THE FIRST FLOOR and are built no earlier than 1990. There are 75 homes in Hilton Head Plantation with those parameters but these have prices that go UP TO $1,000,000. Hilton Head Plantation is the second largest community on the island and as is the case on Hilton Head Island, the closer to the natural water you are (as in Ribaut Drive which is on Port Royal ... 02/09/2017

February Hilton Head Island BEST BUY VILLAS on TourJanuary flew by and our inventory continues to dry up but we've got some good deals and I was able to take time out this week to give these a look:9 Shelter Cove Lane #201 Main Sail - Shelter Cove - Palmetto Dunes Resort $799,000Nope, this is not my listing, which is important for you to know relative to agency - that's a discussion for another time. But I sure wish it was and I'd be happy to represent you on a purchase of this terrific second home or even a primary home.WHERE IS IT? Located on the Shelter Cove side of Palmetto Dunes Resort, mid-island on Hilton Head Island, you have beautiful views, great amenities, and and easy walk to see the fireworks during the summer over the water, or wander to the many restaurants and shops alon... 02/02/2017

  2017 Kiwanis Chili Cookoff Hilton Head Island Blown away by Hurricane Matthew in October, the Chili Cookoff is baaaacckk! When: Saturday, January 21, 2017Where: Shelter Cove Community ParkHours: 11:30A - 3:30PWhat: Chili cookoff contestCost: $15 per person (if you buy ahead of time or $20 at the gate) FOR ALL THE CHILI YOU CARE TO EATContact: Jim GantEmail: jim@gantfamily.com What is going on?Our mouthes have been watering since last October - this fun event usually is a popular fall event. It gives both professional and amateur cooks alike the opportunity to show how creative and HOW HOT they can make their chili entries. You'll have all kinds of choices from chicken to beef to alligator, with beans, without beans, vegetarian, vegan, and everything in between. Kiwanis expects about 3... 01/19/2017

Hilton Head Island, SC December 2016 Market Report Percentage of List Price Received by Price and Property TypeHilton Head Island Home PricesSo with a solid 15 months of a fairly stable market, we are finally feeling as though we're turning a corner. It is neither a buyers' nor a sellers' market; though obviously there are pockets of both resistance and of higher growth. The average number of closed sales for the past 15 months is up 6.8% and the MEDIAN closed sale prices are up 6.5%. There are about 6% new listings which is why the prices are more stable than one would think. Though our inventory has constricted in some price points - the popular $275,000 to $325,000 range - there are other ranges that continue to show some signs of stickiness.The CURRENT INVENTORY of homes in the gate... 01/08/2017

What's Happening on Hilton Head after Hurricane Matthew?THE SCOOPThe short answer is that our unwanted visitor has come and long gone but the work continues. The amount of effort that has been put forth by the Town of Hilton Head and all staff coordinating the cleanup with everyone from local communities to FEMA and the outside contractors has been amazing! Here are just some of the stunning facts!THE MULCHThe 2 stories tall pile of trees has resulted in 395,216 CUBIC YARDS of mulch which has been hauled out to various locations including a paper mill, farm, and to Savannah to be shipped overseas. The Oakwod Landfill, firewood supply company, lumber supply company and a hardwood sawmill have also been the recipients of some of the mulch. Interesting fact - some of the logs were hauled t... 01/05/2017

HILTON HEAD BLUFFTON SC HURRICANE AFTERMATH 10/10/16I write this with mixed emotions. Yes, my husband and I (and friends from Port Royal Plantation on Hilton Head Island) rode out the storm in Bluffton, SC and we were spared; would I do it again - an unequivocable and resounding NO. That said, I know that many people have questions - my readers, my followers, and probably the general public.First, don't believe everything you read - don't believe the worst and don't believe the best - it is a mixture of all. There are star performers for the government and there are not. To say that there was no planning would not be accurate but to say that in the back of the minds of the leaders there apparently was more hope than planning might be indeed accurate.There is always frustration and confu... 10/10/2016